not knowing about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not knowing about" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a lack of knowledge or awareness regarding a specific topic or situation. Example: "She expressed her frustration at not knowing about the meeting." Alternative expressions include "unaware of" and "ignorant of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because by not knowing about and preparing for what lies ahead, there's nothing to cushion the blow.

HuffPost

"I make no excuses for not knowing about the ban.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Gordon-Levitt's explanation for not knowing about "Weakest Link"?

The New York Times

So shareholders voted on the deal not knowing about them.

The New York Times

But not knowing about East's diamond length, he called for dummy's queen.

The New York Times

Imagine not knowing about the brutal treatment of terror suspects at United States government "black sites".

The New York Times

Mr. Shaw lamented not knowing about the move, which "could've made some money".

The New York Times

"I love a bargain," said Wenger, although he did admit to not knowing about 'Black Friday'.

Independent

"Sometimes we can get away with one hair not knowing about the other hairs.

The New York Times

Even a die-hard Jets fan could be forgiven for not knowing about O'Connell.

The New York Times - Sports

Not knowing about something is not an excuse that many fellowships will accept.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not knowing about", ensure the context clearly indicates what information is lacking and why it's relevant. For example, "Not knowing about the risks involved led to poor decision-making."

Common error

Avoid using "not knowing about" without specifying what the subject is unaware of. For example, instead of saying "He suffered from not knowing about it", clarify with "He suffered from not knowing about the new regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not knowing about" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun that describes a state of lacking information or awareness. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a common and grammatically sound construction. This is supported by examples like "Not knowing about the risks..." where the phrase acts as the subject of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not knowing about" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that indicates a lack of information or awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is prevalent in News & Media, Science and Academia. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the missing information and its relevance to the situation. Alternatives include "unaware of" or "ignorant of", each carrying slightly different connotations. The choice depends on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unaware of

Focuses on a state of being uninformed.

lacking awareness of

Directly states the absence of understanding or perception.

uninformed about

Highlights the absence of information provided.

ignorant of

Emphasizes a lack of knowledge, sometimes implying a lack of awareness that should be present.

without knowledge of

A more formal way to express a lack of awareness.

in the dark about

Suggests a deliberate withholding of information.

oblivious to

Indicates a lack of perception or awareness, often of something unpleasant.

unacquainted with

Suggests a lack of familiarity or experience with something.

not privy to

Implies exclusion from confidential information.

naïve about

Implies innocence or lack of experience causing a lack of knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not knowing about"?

Alternatives include "unaware of", "ignorant of", or "uninformed about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "not knowing about" or "unaware of"?

Both "not knowing about" and "unaware of" are correct, but "unaware of" might sound more formal in certain contexts. The best choice depends on the tone and style of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "not knowing about"?

Use "not knowing about" when you want to emphasize the lack of information or awareness as a reason for a particular outcome or situation. For instance, "Not knowing about the traffic delays, they arrived late".

What is the difference between "not knowing about" and "not knowing"?

"Not knowing about" implies a lack of information regarding a specific topic, while "not knowing" is more general and can refer to a lack of knowledge or skill. For example, "She was penalized for "not knowing about" the rules" versus "She admitted to "not knowing" how to drive".