she knows best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she knows best" is correct and is used in written English.
This phrase is used when someone is giving advice in a situation, often when they think the person should take their advice. For example: "I think you should try a different approach, but she knows best when it comes to this kind of problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

She knows best.

The Guardian

Like everyone, she knows best how she looks good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So Ms. Birnbach has returned to the subject she knows best.

The New York Times - Books

(They're also probably what she knows best. She worked for four years at the Indian news channel NDTV).

The New York Times

I've tried to have an honest conversation with her, but she always thinks she knows best.

The Guardian

In So Much For That Shriver has returned to the territory she knows best: disaffected America.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

And maybe she knew best.

The New York Times

It seemed to tremble.Her eyes were the part of herself she knew best.

The Economist

Show her she knew best all along and take her out on the waterways of Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

At the University of Iowa, Ms. Catlett's teacher, the painter Grant Wood, urged her to portray what she knew best.

The New York Times - Arts

Had he somehow figured out that my mother, in a final effort to prove she knew best, had given me total responsibility but him absolute control?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she knows best" when you want to acknowledge someone's superior understanding or experience in a particular situation. It's often used to defer to their judgment.

Common error

While "she knows best" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "she is the most knowledgeable" or "she has the most expertise" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she knows best" primarily functions as a statement of deference or agreement, indicating that the speaker believes someone else has superior knowledge or judgment in a specific situation. As evidenced by Ludwig's analysis, it is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she knows best" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to acknowledge someone's superior knowledge or judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media and informal settings. While generally acceptable, it's crucial to consider the register and opt for more formal alternatives like "she is the most knowledgeable" in professional or academic environments. The phrase implies deference and trust, highlighting the importance of recognizing expertise when making decisions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she understands best

Highlights her superior comprehension of the situation.

she is the most experienced

Highlights her extensive practical knowledge.

she is most knowledgeable

Focuses on the extent of her knowledge.

she has the deepest insight

Focuses on the depth of her understanding.

she has the most expertise

Highlights her specialized skill or knowledge.

she is the authority

This alternative emphasizes her position as an expert.

she is the most qualified

Stresses her suitability based on skills and experience.

she is the best informed

Highlights her access to superior information.

she is the ultimate judge

Emphasizes her role as a decision-maker with superior insight.

she has the final word

Emphasizes her authority to make the ultimate decision.

FAQs

How can I use "she knows best" in a sentence?

You can use "she knows best" to indicate that someone has superior knowledge or judgment in a particular situation. For example, "I trust her opinion on this matter because "she knows best"".

What are some alternatives to "she knows best"?

Some alternatives include "she is the authority", "she understands best", or "she is most knowledgeable", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "she knows best"?

While generally acceptable, "she knows best" may sound too informal in certain formal or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives in those situations.

When should I defer to someone because "she knows best"?

Defer to someone when they have demonstrated expertise, experience, or superior understanding in a specific area. It shows respect for their knowledge and can lead to better outcomes.