knows about

USAGE SUMMARY

"knows about" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate someone's level of knowledge or understanding about a particular topic or subject. Example: "I don't think she knows about the new company policy on dress code."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He knows about cold.

Forbes

Winfrey knows about energy.

The New Yorker

Everyone knows about Rags.

Independent

Abi knows about acting.

The Guardian

He knows about everything.

Independent

Lilienfeld knows about fandom.

The New Yorker

Who knows about them?

The Economist

Cyrus knows about transitions.

University of California, Berkeley

"Nobody here knows about him".

The New York Times

Yes, he knows about AIDS.

The Economist

Johnson knows about that too.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knows about" to indicate familiarity or understanding of a topic. Be specific about what the subject knows to provide context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "knows about" without specifying the subject matter. For instance, instead of saying "He knows about things", clarify with "He knows about astrophysics" to be more precise and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knows about" functions as a verb phrase indicating understanding or familiarity with a particular subject. Ludwig's examples show its usage across diverse fields, highlighting its role in conveying someone's knowledge base. The presence of supporting information (like specific subjects or details) is critical for contextual clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "knows about" is a versatile phrase used to express familiarity or understanding of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used in English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts but is also found in academic and scientific writing. For optimal usage, ensure the subject matter is clearly specified. Related phrases include "is familiar with" and "understands", offering nuanced ways to convey knowledge. By avoiding overgeneralization and focusing on clarity, you can effectively use "knows about" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understands

Implies a deeper comprehension beyond just knowing facts.

is knowledgeable about

More emphatic way to express that someone has information.

has knowledge of

More formal way of saying someone possesses information.

is well-versed in

Implies comprehensive knowledge or skill in a particular area.

is familiar with

Highlights familiarity rather than in-depth knowledge.

is informed about

Emphasizes the state of being updated or notified.

is aware of

Focuses on being informed, not necessarily understanding.

is versed in

Suggests expertise or deep understanding.

is acquainted with

Implies a casual or superficial knowledge.

has experience with

Highlights practical understanding gained through direct involvement.

FAQs

How to use "knows about" in a sentence?

Use "knows about" to indicate someone's understanding or familiarity with a particular topic. For example, "She "knows about" the latest scientific research" shows her awareness and comprehension of the subject.

What can I say instead of "knows about"?

You can use alternatives like "is familiar with", "understands", or "is aware of" depending on the context. Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of knowledge or understanding.

Which is correct, "knows about" or "knows of"?

"Knows about" implies a deeper understanding or familiarity, while "knows of" suggests awareness of something's existence or reputation. Use "knows about" when indicating comprehension, and "knows of" for mere acquaintance.

What's the difference between "knows about" and "is knowledgeable about"?

"Is knowledgeable about" emphasizes a higher level of expertise and in-depth understanding compared to simply ""knows about"". The former suggests a more profound mastery of the subject.