they know that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they know that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a subject is aware of a particular fact or situation. Example: "They know that the meeting has been rescheduled for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

How do they know that?

The Economist

"They know that already".

The New York Times

If you abstain, do they know that?

The New York Times

Mr. Letterman said: "Do they know that?

The New York Times

I mean, they know that already'".

Independent

They know that is unlikely.

The Guardian

They know that whole world.

The New York Times

No. Did they know that?

The Guardian

They know that very clearly".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They knew that headstone well.

The New York Times

They knew that was Sam".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "they know that," follow it with a clear and concise statement of what is known. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that could lead to misunderstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "they know that" when the referent of "they" is unclear or undefined. Always ensure that the audience understands which group is being referred to, as ambiguity can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they know that" functions as a clause introducer, specifically a declarative content clause. It introduces a statement of fact that a group of people (represented by "they") is aware of. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they know that" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a group is aware of something. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it functions as a clause introducer, conveying information about a group's understanding or knowledge. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone and suitable for various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media. Alternatives like "they are aware that" or "they understand that" can be used for similar meanings. The importance of clearly defining "they" cannot be overstated for clarity. The phrase is rated highly by experts for its consistent and correct usage across many reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are aware that

Emphasizes a state of being informed or conscious of something.

they understand that

Focuses on comprehension and grasping the meaning of something.

they realize that

Highlights the moment of becoming fully aware of something.

they acknowledge that

Implies a formal recognition or acceptance of something.

they recognize that

Suggests identifying or distinguishing a particular fact or situation.

they are conscious that

Highlights a state of awareness, with a slight emphasis on the mental process.

they ascertain that

Implies having found something out for certain.

they discern that

Focuses on perceiving or recognizing something subtle or obscure.

it is known to them that

Puts the emphasis on the information itself being widely known.

they have knowledge that

Emphasizes the possession of information or understanding.

FAQs

What does "they know that" mean?

The phrase "they know that" indicates that a group of people is aware of or understands a particular piece of information. The pronoun "they" refers to a specific group, and "know that" implies their understanding or awareness of a fact.

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

You can use "they know that" to convey a group's understanding or awareness of something. For instance, "The students know that the exam is next week" or "The company leaders know that the project is behind schedule".

What are some alternatives to "they know that"?

Alternatives to "they know that" include "they are aware that", "they understand that", or "they realize that". These options offer similar meanings while varying slightly in emphasis.

Is "they know that" formal or informal?

"They know that" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the overall formality of the sentence will depend on the surrounding language and the context in which it is used.