they know of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they know of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone's awareness or knowledge about a particular subject or situation. Example: "They know of the challenges we are facing in the project and are willing to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What do they know of their targets?

The New York Times

What do they know of yours?

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe they know of some solutions!

The New York Times

Investigators say they know of no suspects.

The New York Times

They know of what they speak.

The Guardian - Music

WHAT do they know of money, who only money know?

The Economist

Or did they know of actual threats against us?

The New York Times - Magazine

The first victim they know of was prostitute Roxene Roggasch.

The Guardian

What do they know of football that only football know?

The Guardian - Sport

What do they know of economics who only economics know?

The Guardian - Business

So I think they know of international football.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "they know of" when indicating that a group has some awareness or information about a topic, but not necessarily a deep understanding. For example, "They know of the risks involved in the project."

Common error

Avoid using "they know of" when you mean they have direct, comprehensive knowledge. Instead, use "they know" to indicate complete understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they know of" functions as a verbal phrase indicating that a group possesses some level of awareness or information about something. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and usability of this phrase, demonstrated through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they know of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that a group has some awareness or information regarding a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. The phrase serves to establish a level of familiarity or acknowledgment without implying deep or comprehensive knowledge. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it's important to differentiate its meaning from "they know", which suggests a more thorough understanding. As Ludwig demonstrates, understanding subtle distinctions in phrasing allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are aware of

Replaces "know of" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing consciousness of something.

they are familiar with

Suggests a degree of acquaintance or experience with the subject matter.

they have knowledge about

Emphasizes the possession of information, being more specific than simply 'knowing'.

they are informed about

Implies that they have received information, focusing on the source of their knowledge.

they have heard about

Indicates that the information was received by hearing it rather than experiencing it directly.

they are cognizant of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying they are aware of something.

they understand

A simpler phrase that may work in some contexts, although it implies deeper knowledge than "know of".

they have been told about

Highlights the act of someone informing them, shifting the focus to the communication.

they are acquainted with

Implies a personal or direct familiarity, often suggesting a social connection.

they recognize

Suggests acknowledgment and identification of something, rather than detailed knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "they know of" to indicate that a group is aware of something, even if their knowledge is not complete or detailed. For example, "They know of the issues but aren't fully informed."

What's the difference between "they know of" and "they know"?

"They know of" implies awareness or recognition, while "they know" indicates deeper understanding or familiarity. If you need to say that someone has received information rather than experienced it directly, use "they have heard about".

What can I say instead of "they know of"?

Alternatives include "they are aware of", "they are familiar with", or "they have knowledge about depending on the context".

Is "they know of" formal or informal?

"They know of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Alternatives like "they are cognizant of" can be employed for heightened formality.