sort of know

USAGE SUMMARY

"sort of know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are unsure of the exact details or specifics of a certain situation or piece of information. For example, "I sort of know what happened between them, but I'm not sure of the full details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One participant compared knowing the steps to take after screening for child abuse with not knowing the steps to take after screening for IPV: "With children we sort of know what to do, who to call.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

How did he sort of know that?

The New York Times - Sports

We sort of know how many Italys there are.

The New York Times

Well, we sort of know what happened inside News International.

The Guardian

Still, I sort of know what they mean.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I sort of know I don't have the discipline.

The Guardian

Even if you don't know it, you sort of know it.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, even with more ground to cover, I already sort of know my way.

The New York Times - Arts

"I sort of know the type, because my brother's trying for Oxford".

The New Yorker

"You sort of know if it's working or not," Slimane said.

The New Yorker

"It means I sort of know how it feels," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of know" to convey a nuanced level of understanding, indicating that you have some familiarity with a topic but aren't fully informed. This is useful in casual conversation or when avoiding overstating your knowledge.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "sort of know" in formal writing. It can make your writing sound less confident and precise. Opt for more specific language to convey your level of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of know" functions as a qualifier to the verb "know", indicating a degree of uncertainty or approximation. It modifies the strength of the verb, suggesting that the speaker has some, but not complete, knowledge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of know" is a versatile phrase used to express a level of understanding that falls between complete ignorance and thorough knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While common, it's important to consider the context and choose more precise language when greater clarity is required, especially in formal writing. Related phrases like "vaguely aware" or "partially understand" can offer alternatives for conveying similar meanings. This expression is considered very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind of understand

Similar to "sort of know", but with a slightly different tone.

have a rough idea

Indicates a general, non-detailed concept.

have a basic grasp

Shows a fundamental but not advanced understanding.

partially understand

Highlights an incomplete comprehension of a subject.

generally understand

Suggests a broad understanding without precise details.

vaguely aware

Implies a lack of specific details or a general understanding.

partly informed

Indicates that knowledge is incomplete or derived from limited sources.

somewhat familiar with

Suggests a basic level of acquaintance without deep knowledge.

not entirely sure

Expresses doubt or uncertainty about something.

have a hazy notion

Conveys a vague and unclear understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "sort of know" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of know" to express partial or incomplete knowledge. For example, "I "sort of know" how to play the guitar, but I'm not very good".

What's a more formal alternative to "sort of know"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "I have a general understanding of", "I am somewhat familiar with", or "I possess a basic grasp of" as alternatives to ""sort of know"".

Is "sort of know" appropriate for academic writing?

While ""sort of know"" is grammatically correct, it may not be suitable for academic writing where precision is key. Use more specific and confident language to describe your knowledge level.

What's the difference between "kind of know" and "sort of know"?

"Kind of know" and ""sort of know"" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both express a level of uncertainty or partial knowledge. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations.