know enough to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know enough to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a sufficient level of knowledge or understanding to perform a task or make a decision. Example: "I know enough to recognize when a situation is becoming dangerous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We know enough to act now.

The New York Times

"You don't know enough to be scared!

The New Yorker

I don't know enough to know.

The Guardian

But I do know enough to know...".

The New Yorker

They know enough to be concerned.

The New York Times - Travel

However, we know enough to act.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't really know enough to comment.

The Guardian - Sport

But we do know enough to answer some basic questions.

The New York Times - Health

Or, perhaps, not know enough to know better?

The New York Times

Let's hope she'll know enough to give them the spotlight.

The New York Times - Books

I didn't know enough to stay away from it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know enough to" to clearly indicate that someone has the necessary understanding or skill to perform a specific action or make a judgment. For example: "I know enough to change a flat tire."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses. For example, instead of saying "I knew enough to did it", say "I knew enough to do it" or "I know enough to do it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know enough to" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the possession of sufficient knowledge or skill to perform an action or make a judgment. As indicated by Ludwig, it signifies a level of understanding that enables a specific capability. For example, "I know enough to drive a car."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "know enough to" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating sufficient knowledge or skill to perform a task or make a judgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific publications. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure correct verb tense. Alternatives like "sufficiently informed to" or "knowledgeable enough to" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis. In summary, "know enough to" is a reliable way to convey competence and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knowledgeable enough to

Directly uses the adjective "knowledgeable" to convey sufficient knowledge.

sufficiently informed to

Emphasizes the state of being informed as a prerequisite.

possess the understanding to

Emphasizes understanding as the key element.

adequately prepared to

Highlights preparedness as a result of knowledge.

competent enough to

Focuses on competence derived from knowledge.

well-versed enough to

Suggests a deep understanding or expertise.

have the expertise to

Highlights expertise as the basis for action.

have sufficient grounding to

Stresses a solid foundation of knowledge.

be qualified to

Focuses on meeting the requirements to do something.

be in a position to

Indicates that someone has the necessary knowledge or resources to take action or make a judgement.

FAQs

How can I use "know enough to" in a sentence?

You can use "know enough to" to indicate that someone has sufficient knowledge or understanding to do something. For example: "She "knows enough to" handle the situation".

What are some alternatives to "know enough to"?

Alternatives include "sufficiently informed to", "knowledgeable enough to", or "adequately prepared to", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "knew enough to" or "know enough to"?

Both "knew enough to" and "know enough to" are correct, but they indicate different tenses. "Knew enough to" refers to the past, while "know enough to" refers to the present.

What's the difference between "know enough to" and "understand enough to"?

While similar, "know enough to" often implies a practical understanding or skill, whereas "understand enough to" suggests a deeper comprehension. For example: "I "know enough to" drive a car" versus "I "understand enough to" explain the theory behind it".