knows him well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "knows him well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's familiarity or understanding of another person, often in a personal or relational context. Example: "She knows him well enough to understand his motivations and feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Keats knows him well.

The Guardian - Books

His coach knows him well.

The New York Times - Sports

The audience knows him well.

The Guardian

The truck driver knows him well.

The Guardian

"Biden was very courageous," Gelb, who knows him well, said.

The New Yorker

Crucially, Paul Farbrace knows him well and this is neat.

The Guardian - Sport

"He got emotional," says one person who knows him well.

The New York Times

One Republican who knows him well told me: "He almost never flies first class.

The New York Times

"He has the reassuring look of a Scandinavian prime minister," says someone who knows him well.

The Economist

An MP who knows him well suggests he thought a mere ministership beneath him.

The Economist

Amaro knows him well; their fathers worked together, and they played against each other in college.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "knows him well" to suggest a deep understanding of someone's character, habits, or background, often implying a personal relationship or significant experience with that person.

Common error

Avoid using "knows him well" in highly formal or academic writing where a more objective or analytical phrase like "is familiar with his work" or "has studied his methods extensively" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "knows him well" functions primarily as a descriptor, indicating a level of familiarity and understanding between two people. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's commonly used to express that someone has a deep insight into another person's character or behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "knows him well" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a deep understanding of an individual's character and personality. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage, especially within news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best reserved for situations where personal familiarity is relevant, and should be used judiciously in formal academic settings. Alternatives like "is familiar with him" or "understands him deeply" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. The expression carries a neutral connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understands him deeply

Suggests a profound insight into the person's emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

has a good understanding of him

Focuses on comprehension of the person's character or motivations, rather than just familiarity.

is well-acquainted with him

Implies a formal or professional relationship, suggesting familiarity through interaction rather than personal connection.

has a close rapport with him

Indicates a harmonious and empathetic connection.

is familiar with him

Indicates a basic level of knowledge or awareness of the person.

appreciates his nature

It emphasizes an understanding and acceptance of his core characteristics.

has known him for a long time

Emphasizes the duration of the relationship, implying familiarity gained over time.

is closely associated with him

Highlights the closeness of the relationship, implying frequent interaction and shared experiences.

is on intimate terms with him

Emphasizes a high level of closeness, familiarity and perhaps even physical intimacy.

is privy to his thoughts

Indicates that the person is aware of another's internal thoughts and feelings.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "knows him well"?

Saying someone "knows him well" implies they have a deep understanding of the person's character, personality, and history, usually based on personal experience or close observation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "knows him well"?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to convey a personal understanding or familiarity, such as describing relationships or explaining someone's insights about another person. It is commonly found in "news and media".

What are some alternative ways to say "knows him well"?

You could use phrases like "understands him deeply", "is well-acquainted with him", or "is familiar with him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "knows him well" the same as "knew him well"?

"Knows him well" implies a current understanding and relationship, while "knew him well" suggests a past relationship and understanding. The tense changes the meaning significantly.