know first hand from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know first hand from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you have direct personal experience or knowledge about something from a specific source. Example: "I know first hand from my time working in the field that this approach is effective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We know first hand from London 2012 what a carnival of junk food marketing the Olympics are," said Malcolm Clark, coordinator of the campaign.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To be sure, there is novelistic pretext for some enlightenment of attitude; the reverend has a counter-worldly set of priorities (though he seems casually heretical about most matters); Mason knows first hand from Gloucestershire the systematic oppression of the weak by the strong, and Dixon is a lapsed Quaker, if Quakers can lapse.

The Guardian - Books

"We know first-hand from our time on Nauru that prolonged and indefinite detention, and the uncertainty associated with a lack of permanent resettlement options for refugees on Nauru, causes serious harm.

The Guardian

I know first-hand from speaking and working with our children that our poor and minority students have potential and ability that rivals anyone.

Forbes

I know first-hand from my decades-long experience in the field that institutions from the Clinton Global Initiative to Western Union are integral to providing solutions to the challenges faced by humanity.

Huffington Post

I sold digital cameras at Circuit City from 2000 to 2004 and know first hand the buying mentality of most people.

TechCrunch

I know first hand.

TechCrunch

You know first hand yourselves.

Huffington Post

I know first hand the mental effects of shell shock.

Huffington Post

I know first hand what trauma gun violence can bring.

Huffington Post

A young woman from Latvia, Lucy Slice, knew first hand of that spirit.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "know first hand from", ensure that you clearly specify the source of your direct knowledge or experience to enhance credibility.

Common error

Avoid stating "I know first hand from experience" without specifying what experience you are referring to. Be specific for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know first hand from" functions as a way to emphasize direct personal experience or knowledge obtained from a specific source. This indicates that the speaker's understanding is not based on hearsay or indirect information, aligning with examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "know first hand from" is a phrase used to assert direct personal knowledge derived from a specific source. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It's most commonly found in news and media, where establishing credibility is key. To enhance your writing, always specify the source of your knowledge and avoid vague attributions. Alternatives like "have direct knowledge based on" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase functions to enhance your credibility and authority by highlighting that your statement is grounded in your own direct involvement or observation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have direct knowledge based on

Focuses on the directness of knowledge acquired, emphasizing the foundation upon which it rests.

have personal experience stemming from

Highlights the personal nature of the experience and its origin.

witnessed personally due to

Emphasizes direct observation as the cause of knowledge.

experienced directly as a result of

Links direct experience to a specific cause or event.

gained insight through firsthand involvement in

Highlights the gaining of insight through active participation.

learned directly because of

Focuses on the direct learning experience and its reason.

understand from direct exposure to

Highlights understanding gained through direct exposure.

attest from direct observation of

Focuses on the ability to attest to something based on direct observation.

can confirm based on personal interaction with

Emphasizes the ability to confirm something through personal interaction.

have verified through my own experiences within

Highlights the verification of something through personal experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "know first hand from" in a sentence?

You can use "know first hand from" to indicate direct personal experience. For example, "I "know first hand from" working in the hospital how challenging it is for nurses".

What are some alternatives to "know first hand from"?

Alternatives include "have direct knowledge based on", "have personal experience stemming from", or "witnessed personally due to". These phrases offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it redundant to say "know first hand from experience"?

While not strictly redundant, specifying the source after "know first hand from" adds clarity. Saying "I "know first hand from" my time in the field" is stronger than just saying "I "know first hand from" experience".

What's the difference between "know first hand from" and "hear first hand from"?

"Know first hand from" implies direct personal experience or knowledge, while "hear first hand from" means you received information directly from someone else. The former is based on your own experience, the latter on someone else's account.