they know us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they know us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people who are familiar with or have knowledge about you and your group. Example: "In our community, they know us as the ones who always help out during events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They know us better than we know ourselves.

University of Chicago

"They know us there.

The New York Times

"They know us and how we feel".

Independent

"They know us very well," Wicks said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We know them, and they know us.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't think they know us".

The New York Times

And they know us just as well.

The New York Times - Sports

And as much as we know them, they know us".

The New York Times

We know many people, and they know us.

The New York Times

"So everyone thinks they know us, even if they don't".

The New York Times

Viewers feel like they know us a bit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they know us" when you want to express that a group of people are familiar with your group, understand your actions, or recognize your identity. It's suitable for scenarios where there's an established relationship or history.

Common error

While "they know us" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or technical writing. Consider more precise language like "they are familiar with our work" or "they understand our methodology" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they know us" typically functions as a clause within a sentence, acting as an assertion of familiarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It highlights a relationship where one group (they) possesses knowledge about another (us).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they know us" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys familiarity, recognition, or understanding between groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news reports to academic discussions. While predominantly found in news and media, it's essential to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives for professional or scientific writing where greater precision is needed. Be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning when choosing alternatives like "they are familiar with us" or "they understand us" to accurately convey your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are familiar with us

This alternative emphasizes the level of acquaintance or familiarity between the parties involved.

they are acquainted with us

A more formal way of saying they are familiar with us.

they understand us

This version suggests a deeper comprehension of our thoughts, feelings, or motivations.

they comprehend us

Similar to 'understand us', but can suggest a slightly more intellectual understanding.

they recognize us

Focuses on the act of identifying or remembering us.

they are aware of us

Highlights their consciousness or knowledge of our existence or presence.

they have knowledge of us

Emphasizes possessing information or details about us.

they have us figured out

Implies that they have deciphered our character or intentions.

they've got our number

An idiomatic expression indicating they understand our behavior or patterns.

they see through us

Suggests they perceive our hidden motives or true nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "they know us" to indicate familiarity or understanding. For example, "We've been working with this client for years; "they know us" well and trust our judgment."

What's a more formal alternative to "they know us"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "they are familiar with us", "they recognize us", or "they understand our operations". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says "they know us"?

It typically means that the group being referred to has a certain level of familiarity with the speaker and their group. This familiarity can encompass understanding their character, recognizing their patterns, or having prior experience with them.

Is it correct to say "they know of us" instead of "they know us"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "they know us" implies a closer relationship or more direct experience than "they know of us". "They know of us" suggests an awareness of your existence or reputation without necessarily having personal interaction. For example: The community is small so "they know of us", but "they know us" best because we are active in the community.