know you know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know you know" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in informal contexts, possibly to emphasize awareness or understanding between two parties. Example: "I just want to make sure you know you know the answer to this question."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I know you know".

The New Yorker

They know, you know.

The Guardian - Arts

When you know, you know.

The New York Times

I know you know that".

The New York Times

But I don't know, you know.

The New York Times - Sports

I know you know the recipe.

The New York Times - Food

And we know you know this too.

The Guardian

Again, when you know you know.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Bob: You know -- you know -- you know, Grandma Millie, she's the one that Al Gore's fightin' for, you know?

The New York Times

"You know … you know we'll make it out".

Forbes

I don't know -- you know what?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, incorporate "know you know" to create a sense of familiarity and connection between characters, enhancing the authenticity of their interaction.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "know you know" in formal or professional writing, as it may sound colloquial or unprofessional. Instead, opt for more direct and formal alternatives such as "I understand you are aware" or "It is understood that you possess this information".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "know you know" is to serve as an idiomatic phrase used for emphasis or to indicate a shared understanding. It's often used to underscore that the listener is already aware of something, creating a sense of complicity or agreement. Ludwig examples support this, showcasing its use in conversational contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "know you know" is an informal way to emphasize shared understanding or agreement, particularly in conversational contexts. While Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically acceptable, it's best reserved for informal settings and should be avoided in formal or professional writing in favor of more direct language. Ludwig’s examples show its prevalence in News & Media, suggesting a neutral, conversational tone. Related phrases offer more formal or nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Always consider your audience and the context when using this phrase to ensure appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i know you're aware

Directly states the other person's awareness.

i believe you understand

Conveys confidence in the other person's comprehension.

i'm sure you realize

Expresses confidence that someone has come to a certain realization.

are you aware

Focuses directly on confirming someone's awareness of information.

you realize

Simple and direct way to inquire about someone's realization.

i take it you know

Suggests a presumption of knowledge.

are you conscious

Highlights awareness with a nuance of deliberate attention.

are you informed

Emphasizes that someone has received relevant information.

you must understand

Implies the importance of understanding something.

it's understood

Indicates a mutual understanding or agreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "know you know" to emphasize a shared understanding or agreement, such as "I just want to make sure you "know you know" the importance of this project."

What are some alternatives to "know you know"?

Alternatives include "are you aware", "I believe you understand", or "I know you're aware", depending on the context.

Is "know you know" grammatically correct?

While not strictly grammatically incorrect, "know you know" is more of an informal expression. In formal writing, it's best to use more conventional phrasing.

When is it appropriate to use "know you know"?

It is most appropriate in informal conversations or writing where a sense of shared knowledge or understanding is being emphasized. Avoid it in formal reports or academic papers.