knowing that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knowing that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that provides information or context that the speaker or writer assumes the listener or reader is aware of. Example: "Knowing that the deadline is approaching, we should prioritize our tasks accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And I know he died knowing that".

The New York Times

Where was the harm in knowing that?

The New Yorker

(Give Sting credit for knowing that).

The New Yorker

Somehow, just knowing that helps.

The New York Times - Arts

It's knowing that hospitality is everywhere.

Cornell University

I would appreciate knowing that answer also.

Cornell University

Another reason knowing that number is interesting.

The Guardian

"Imagine my not even knowing that".

The New Yorker

White admits to knowing that dynamic well.

The New Yorker

And knowing that, changed everything.

Forbes

How does knowing that help?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knowing that" to introduce a clause that provides context or explains a reason behind an action or statement. This helps to create a logical flow and ensures your reader understands the basis of your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "knowing that" in overly simple sentences where a direct statement would be more effective. For instance, instead of saying "Knowing that it was raining, I took an umbrella", a more concise alternative is "Because it was raining, I took an umbrella."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knowing that" functions as a gerund phrase that often introduces a clause expressing the reason, cause, or context for a subsequent statement or action. Ludwig examples show it connecting awareness to a related consequence or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "knowing that" is a versatile gerund phrase used to introduce clauses that offer context, reasons, or premises. It enjoys a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse writing styles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When using "knowing that", ensure it clearly connects the awareness to a related consequence, and consider alternatives like "being aware that" for more formal contexts, or "realizing that" when emphasizing a sudden understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being aware that

Emphasizes the state of awareness more directly than "knowing that".

understanding that

Focuses on comprehension and grasping the implications of a fact.

realizing that

Implies a moment of sudden understanding or awareness.

recognizing that

Highlights the act of acknowledging or identifying a particular fact.

acknowledging that

Suggests a formal or explicit acceptance of a fact or situation.

cognizant that

A more formal and less common way of expressing awareness.

mindful that

Implies a state of being conscious and attentive to a particular fact.

being conscious that

Similar to "being aware", but can suggest a more deliberate attentiveness.

with the awareness that

More elaborate construction that foregrounds the state of being aware.

conversant with the fact that

Indicates a familiarity and understanding of a specific fact.

FAQs

How can I use "knowing that" in a sentence?

Use "knowing that" to introduce a clause that explains the reason or context for a subsequent action or statement. For example, "Knowing that the traffic would be heavy, I left early".

What are some alternatives to "knowing that"?

Alternatives to "knowing that" include "being aware that", "understanding that", or "realizing that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "knowing that" or "being aware that"?

Being aware that is generally considered more formal than "knowing that", but both are acceptable in formal writing. The choice depends on the overall tone and style of your text.

What's the difference between "knowing that" and "knowing how"?

"Knowing that" refers to having factual knowledge or awareness of something, while "knowing how" refers to having the ability or skill to do something. For example, "I know that Paris is the capital of France" versus "I know how to ride a bike".