know how to perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know how to perform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability or skill to carry out a specific task or action. Example: "She knows how to perform complex calculations quickly and accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In order to show this good performance, students probably also know how to perform and consequently master the underlying competences necessary for performing the task (Miller 1990).

Advances in Health Sciences Education

They know how to perform.

The Guardian - Film

"But that doesn't mean you know how to perform".

The New York Times

I know how to perform on the field".

The New York Times

You should know how to perform your military duty".

The Guardian

In theory, I know how to perform CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Harvard University

In addition to preventing exposure, every caretaker should know how to perform a Heimlich maneuver on infants and small children.

The New York Times - Health

Like driving a car or riding a bike, it will become a skill you know how to perform.

The Guardian

Perhaps your boyfriend hasn't addressed your concerns because he doesn't know how to perform some of the requisite tasks.

The New York Times - Style

You need an understanding of music and choreography but also you need to know how to perform the character.

The New York Times

They no longer need to know how to perform a task by incremental steps; they desire the ability to quickly "go there" and get done with it.

Procedia Manufacturing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "know how to perform", ensure the context clearly specifies the task or skill being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "know how to perform CPR" rather than just "know how to perform."

Common error

Avoid using "know how to perform" without a specific object or context. Saying someone "knows how to perform" without indicating what they can perform leaves the statement incomplete and unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know how to perform" functions as a verb phrase indicating competence or skill in executing a particular action or task. As per Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to express someone's ability to carry out a specific activity. For example, someone might "know how to perform CPR" or "know how to perform surgery."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "know how to perform" is a versatile verb phrase used to express competence in executing a specific task. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears very commonly across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies the specific skill to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "understand how to execute" or "be skilled in carrying out" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a wide range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand how to execute

Focuses on the understanding aspect combined with the execution skill.

be skilled in carrying out

Highlights the skill or expertise involved in performing a task.

have the ability to do

Emphasizes the general capability to perform something.

be capable of performing

Similar to having the ability, but perhaps slightly more formal.

possess the know-how to do

Highlights the practical knowledge required for performance.

be competent in performing

Stresses the level of competence or proficiency.

have the technique to perform

Focuses on the specific method or technique involved.

master the art of

Implies a higher level of skill and refinement.

be adept at performing

Highlights skill, quickness and efficiency.

be proficient in performing

Denotes skill and competence in execution.

FAQs

How can I use "know how to perform" in a sentence?

You can use "know how to perform" to indicate someone's ability to execute a specific task. For example, "She "knows how to perform" complex surgery" or "He "knows how to perform" basic car maintenance".

What are some alternatives to "know how to perform"?

Alternatives include phrases like "understand how to execute", "be skilled in carrying out", or "have the ability to do", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "be capable of performing" instead of "know how to perform"?

Yes, "be capable of performing" generally carries a more formal tone compared to the more straightforward "know how to perform". The former is often used in professional or academic contexts.

When is it best to use "possess the know-how to do" instead of "know how to perform"?

"Possess the know-how to do" is suitable when emphasizing the practical knowledge and specific skills required for a task, whereas "know how to perform" is a more general statement of ability.