know that guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know that guy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts when referring to someone you are familiar with or have met before. Example: "I know that guy from the gym; he always has great workout tips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

She felt over the long run the value would grow". "You think Warren Buffett, you know, that guy, was good at this sort of thing?" said Mr. Clark.

The New York Times

For all I know, that guy could have gotten out his car and beaten the crap out of me.

Huffington Post

We don't even know that guy.

The New York Times

"So, I don't know that guy.

The New Yorker

You know that guy in your office?

The Guardian - Sport

She said, 'I know that guy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Nobody knows that guy like me," Vaughn said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I knew that guy looked familiar," says one shopper, who stops to watch the demo.

The New York Times

Statements like: "If only I had known that guy …" or, "What an obvious idea for a company.

Forbes

I knew that guy -- the twitchy one.

Huffington Post

When we started talking, I knew that guy was somebody special.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know that guy" in informal conversation or writing when referring to someone you recognize or are acquainted with, but don't necessarily know well. It's best suited for casual contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "know that guy" in formal or professional settings. Opt for more professional alternatives such as "I am familiar with that person" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know that guy" primarily functions as an informal expression indicating recognition or acquaintance. It's typically used in casual conversation when someone identifies a person they have encountered before or know something about. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, especially in informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "know that guy" is a common and grammatically sound expression used in informal contexts to indicate familiarity or recognition of a person. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English, particularly in casual settings. While highly prevalent in news and media, it's crucial to avoid using it in formal or professional communications, where alternatives like "I am familiar with that person" are more appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "know that guy" in suitable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognize that fellow

Replaces "know" with "recognize" and "guy" with the more formal "fellow", indicating acquaintance but not necessarily close friendship.

identify that man

Uses "identify" to suggest recognition based on specific characteristics and "man" as a slightly more formal alternative.

I'm familiar with that person

Shifts to a more formal tone using "familiar" and "person" instead of the casual "know" and "guy".

I've met that man before

Emphasizes a prior meeting with the person, adding a temporal element not explicit in the original phrase.

I'm acquainted with him

Replaces the directness of "know" with the more distanced and formal "acquainted", also using the pronoun "him".

that face rings a bell

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate recognition, suggesting the person is familiar but not easily placed.

I seem to recall that individual

Uses more formal language like "individual" and "recall" to express a vague or uncertain memory of the person.

I've seen him around

Implies familiarity based on repeated sightings, rather than direct interaction.

he looks familiar

Focuses on the person's appearance being recognizable, without necessarily knowing their name or history.

I've crossed paths with him

Suggests a brief or incidental encounter with the person, implying a less direct form of acquaintance.

FAQs

How can I use "know that guy" in a sentence?

You can use "know that guy" in a sentence like: "Hey, I "know that guy"! He's in my yoga class."

What's a more formal way to say "know that guy"?

If you need a more formal alternative, consider saying "I am familiar with that person" or "I recognize that individual". These phrases are suitable for professional settings.

Is it appropriate to use "know that guy" in a business email?

In most cases, no. "Know that guy" is too informal for business correspondence. Use something like "I believe I've met that colleague before" for a professional tone.

What's the difference between "know that guy" and "know of that guy"?

"Know that guy" implies you have some level of acquaintance or recognition. "Know of that guy" means you're aware of his existence or reputation, but haven't necessarily met him.