knows

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "knows" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is the third person singular form of the verb "know," which means to have information or understanding about something. You can use "knows" in a variety of sentences. Here are a few examples: - She knows the answer to the question. - John knows how to play the guitar. - The professor knows a lot about history. - Do you know where the nearest gas station is? - The team knows that they need to work harder to win the game.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, who knows?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nobody really knows.

The New York Times

No one knows.

The New York Times

Everyone knows that.

The New York Times

But who knows?

The New York Times - Arts

As he knows, the nominative and accusative cases are the reason that we don't say gibberish like "Her gave it to he and then sat by we here!" No idea is more basic to English syntax and grammar.

The Economist

No one knows what will happen.

The Guardian

Nobody knows what it means".

The Guardian

No one really knows why.

The New York Times - Health

But there's no conflict, because everyone knows what the deal is.

The Economist

Regardless, though, any individual bettor knows that if he wins, the casino loses, and vice versa.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knows", ensure the subject is singular and agrees in number. For example, "She knows the answer," not "She know the answer."

Common error

Avoid using "knows" with plural subjects. The correct form for plural subjects is "know". For example, say "They know the rules," not "They knows the rules".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "knows" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of "know". It indicates that a singular subject has knowledge or understanding. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "knows" is a versatile and commonly used verb in the English language, functioning as the third-person singular present tense form of "know". As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that a singular subject possesses information or understanding. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage spans diverse contexts, making it a staple in both formal and informal communication. When using "knows", remember to ensure subject-verb agreement, pairing it with singular subjects, and consider more formal alternatives like "is aware" or "is cognizant" to adjust the tone. Steer clear of common errors such as using "knows" with plural subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understands

Focuses on comprehension and grasp of a concept or situation.

is familiar with

Indicates a level of acquaintance or experience with something.

realizes

Implies a sudden understanding or awareness that was not present before.

is aware

Indicates a state of being conscious of something, suggesting a more formal tone than "knows".

is conscious of

Highlights an awareness of a specific fact or situation.

has knowledge of

Emphasizes the possession of information, often used in formal settings.

is informed

Suggests that the knowledge comes from an external source.

is certain

Focuses on the confidence in the knowledge, rather than just possessing it.

is cognizant

Implies a deep understanding or awareness, often used in formal or technical contexts.

appreciates

Goes beyond simply knowing, and implies an understanding of the importance or value of something.

FAQs

How do I use "knows" in a sentence?

"Knows" is the third-person singular form of the verb "know". Use it when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun (e.g., he, she, it). For example: "She "knows" the answer."

What can I say instead of "knows" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use alternatives like "is aware", "is cognizant", or "has knowledge of". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "knows" or "know"?

The correct choice between "knows" and "know" depends on the subject. Use "knows" with singular subjects (e.g., he, she, it) and "know" with plural subjects (e.g., they, we, you, I). For example, "He "knows"" but "They "know"".

What's the difference between "knows" and "understands"?

While both indicate comprehension, "knows" generally refers to possessing information, while "understands" implies a deeper grasp of the meaning or implications. For example, someone "knows" a fact, but "understands" a concept. You can often use "understands" as alternative in the right context.