know in advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know in advance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to having prior knowledge or information about something before it happens. Example: "I would like to know in advance if there are any changes to the schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You could know in advance how something would move or act by knowing what it was.

The New Yorker

Nobody can ever know in advance.

The New Yorker

"That you cannot know in advance.

Independent

How much did they know in advance?

The Guardian

You never know in advance which ones.

The New Yorker

You don't know in advance what you will find out.

The New York Times

No one can know in advance where they will lead.

The Economist

This year, we know in advance that there won't be any.

The New York Times

In some cases, if you didn't know in advance, you couldn't tell which was which.

The New York Times

If Pakistani officials must know in advance of every drone attack, intelligence will leak.

The New York Times

"It matters if it's Wall Street or Brooklyn," he said, "but we won't know in advance".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know in advance" to clearly indicate that information or awareness is acquired before an event or decision point. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in communication.

Common error

Instead of simply stating "you should "know in advance"", clarify how one can obtain the information beforehand. For example, specify "know the requirements in advance by consulting the guidelines" to provide actionable advice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know in advance" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of acquiring information or awareness before a particular event or time. Ludwig provides numerous examples across different contexts where this phrase is used to express the importance of prior knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "know in advance" is a versatile and frequently used expression that emphasizes the importance of acquiring information before a particular event. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it appears across diverse fields such as news, science, and general discussions, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The phrase underscores the benefits of being prepared and proactive. Ludwig AI confirms that "know in advance" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted way to express the desire for prior knowledge. Remembering to specify how to obtain the information beforehand can further enhance the clarity and utility of this phrase in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find out beforehand

Highlights the act of discovering information before a particular moment or event.

be forewarned

Emphasizes the state of having been given prior notice or warning about something.

ascertain beforehand

Focuses on the act of finding something out before a specific event or time.

get early warning

Stresses receiving advance notice or alerts about potential events or situations.

determine ahead of time

Emphasizes the process of deciding or establishing something prior to its occurrence.

anticipate the outcome

Focuses on foreseeing the result or consequence of a particular action or event.

learn ahead of schedule

Stresses acquiring knowledge or skills earlier than anticipated or planned.

foresee what's coming

Emphasizes the ability to see or be aware of future events or developments.

discover in anticipation

Emphasizes discovering something while expecting or predicting an event.

predict with certainty

Highlights the ability to foresee something with a high degree of confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "know in advance" in a sentence?

You can use "know in advance" to indicate that you want to be informed about something before it happens. For example, "Please let me "know in advance" if there are any changes to the schedule".

What are some alternatives to "know in advance"?

Alternatives include phrases like "ascertain beforehand", "determine ahead of time", or "find out beforehand", which all convey the idea of gaining information before a specific event.

Is it always necessary to "know in advance"?

While it's not always necessary, knowing in advance can help with planning, preparation, and decision-making, reducing uncertainty and potential risks. Situations requiring immediate action might not allow for advance knowledge.

What's the difference between "be forewarned" and "know in advance"?

"Be forewarned" implies a warning or caution, suggesting potential negative consequences if you don't take heed of the information provided beforehand. "Know in advance" is a more neutral term, simply indicating the acquisition of knowledge before an event.