no longer know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no longer know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a change in knowledge or awareness, indicating that someone has lost the ability to know something they previously did. Example: "After the incident, I no longer know what to believe about the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I no longer know.

MIT Technology Review

I no longer know what triggers that.

The New York Times

Men no longer know how to fight.

The New York Times

"We no longer know what surplus is".

The New York Times

The investigators no longer know her whereabouts.

The New York Times - Health

Possibly they no longer know the difference.

The New Yorker

Sometimes I no longer know myself.

The New Yorker

Some locals no longer know the rules.

Yale University

We no longer know friend from foe.

The Guardian

Because I no longer know any.

The Guardian - Opinion

I feel I no longer know you.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no longer know" to express a change in your knowledge or understanding over time. It indicates a state that existed before but doesn't now.

Common error

Avoid using "no longer know" when simply expressing a lack of knowledge. "Not know" is more appropriate when the knowledge was never possessed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no longer know" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a change in cognitive state. It indicates a transition from a state of knowing to a state of not knowing something, suggesting a loss of previously held knowledge or understanding. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from personal feelings to societal shifts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "no longer know" is a versatile expression used to convey a shift from a state of knowing to not knowing. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, it appears frequently in diverse contexts like news, academic writing and science and expresses a sense of lost knowledge, confusion, or change. While grammatically sound, it's essential to distinguish it from "not know", which simply indicates a lack of current knowledge without implying a prior state of knowing. The analyzed phrase maintains a neutral tone making it useful across various forms of communication. Therefore, understanding the nuances of "no longer know" ensures its correct and effective usage in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have forgotten

Indicates a complete loss of knowledge, implying that something known in the past is now irretrievable.

am unaware

Highlights a lack of current knowledge or consciousness about something.

have lost track

Suggests a gradual loss of awareness or understanding, often due to a series of events or changes.

cannot recall

Focuses on the inability to bring something to mind, emphasizing a memory lapse.

am ignorant of

Emphasizes a lack of knowledge or information, sometimes implying a lack of exposure.

am oblivious to

Stresses a lack of awareness, often suggesting that someone is not paying attention.

have no clue

An informal way to express a complete lack of knowledge or understanding.

am in the dark

Implies a lack of information or awareness, often suggesting that others are withholding information.

fail to comprehend

Highlights an inability to understand something, often due to complexity or difficulty.

cannot fathom

Expresses a deep inability to understand or imagine something, often due to its strangeness or complexity.

FAQs

How can I use "no longer know" in a sentence?

Use "no longer know" to indicate a past understanding or familiarity that has since been lost. For example, "I "no longer know" how to ride a bike" suggests you once knew but have forgotten.

What's a more formal way to say "no longer know"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "have forgotten" or "am unaware". The choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I don't know anymore" instead of "I no longer know"?

Both "I don't know anymore" and "I "no longer know"" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "I don't know anymore" often implies frustration or a sense of giving up, while "I "no longer know"" focuses on a change in knowledge.

What's the difference between "I don't know" and "I no longer know"?

"I don't know" expresses a current lack of knowledge. "I "no longer know"" indicates a change from knowing to not knowing. The latter implies a past state of knowledge that is now lost, as in, "I "no longer know" the answer to that question, I used to, but I've forgotten it".