they know nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

'they know nothing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express that someone is not aware of something or has no knowledge about a particular topic. For example: "Even after the presentation, they still know nothing about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They know nothing about me.

The New York Times

"They know nothing, nothing.

The New York Times

Did they know nothing?

The Guardian - Opinion

They know nothing about our society.

The Economist

"They know nothing about black people.

Independent

They know nothing about my heart murmur.

The New York Times

"They know nothing about respect".

The Guardian

They know nothing of schools.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And some publications just make genuine mistakes because they know nothing about the topic and garble the data.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

They know nothing about this".

The Guardian

They know nothing could happen".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they know nothing" to express a strong lack of knowledge or understanding, particularly when emphasizing a contrast between expectation and reality. For example, "Despite their claims of expertise, they know nothing about the subject."

Common error

While "they know nothing" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced phrases like "they lack comprehensive understanding" or "they are not fully informed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they know nothing" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a complete lack of knowledge or understanding on the part of a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they know nothing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey a complete lack of knowledge or understanding. Ludwig AI's analysis shows that this phrase is used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While the phrase is widely understood, it's essential to consider the audience and context. In more formal settings, alternatives like "they lack comprehensive understanding" may be more appropriate. Understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts for using "they know nothing" can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they aren't aware

Focuses on a lack of awareness rather than a complete absence of knowledge.

they are ignorant

Emphasizes a lack of knowledge or information about a specific subject.

they are clueless

Implies a state of being uninformed or bewildered.

they haven't a clue

An idiomatic expression suggesting a complete lack of understanding.

they are uninformed

Highlights a lack of information, suggesting the possibility of being misinformed.

they are in the dark

Suggests a state of being kept unaware or uninformed about something.

they are oblivious

Implies a lack of awareness or attention to what is happening.

they haven't any knowledge

Directly states the absence of knowledge, but is more formal.

they fail to understand

Highlights a failure to comprehend, rather than a complete lack of knowledge.

they can't comprehend

Emphasizes an inability to grasp or understand something.

FAQs

How can I use "they know nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "they know nothing" to express that a group of people lacks knowledge or understanding about a particular subject. For example, "The critics claim to understand the film, but "they know nothing" about the director's vision."

What are some alternatives to "they know nothing"?

Alternatives include "they are unaware", "they are ignorant", or "they are clueless". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "they know nothing" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, "they know nothing" can be too informal for academic writing. Consider using phrases like "they lack comprehensive understanding" or "their knowledge is limited" for a more appropriate tone.

What's the difference between "they know nothing" and "they understand nothing"?

"They know nothing" implies a complete absence of knowledge, while "they understand nothing" suggests a failure to comprehend existing information. The former is broader, while the latter focuses on comprehension.