they would know

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "they would know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone is aware of a situation or facts that you are discussing. For example, "If they really understood the situation, they would know what action to take."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They would know not to".

The New Yorker

"They would know," he said.

The New York Times

They would know.

The New York Times

And they would know, wouldn't they?

The New York Times

"They would know in a small town".

The New York Times

They would know the building, rules, curriculum, staff and students.

The New York Times

"If they really examined it, they would know it works".

The New York Times - Sports

Then they would know the truth, we tell ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also, they would know in detail what those errors were.

The New Yorker

"That is not a name they would know," she said.

The New York Times

So if there was any response they would know.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they would know", ensure the context clearly indicates who 'they' refers to, to avoid ambiguity. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "they would know" when referring to a situation that is already known or certain. This phrase indicates a hypothetical or conditional understanding, not a present fact. For example, instead of saying 'Since they are experts, they would know the answer', say 'Since they are experts, "they know" the answer'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they would know" typically functions as part of a conditional clause or statement expressing a hypothetical understanding or awareness. It indicates what a group of people might understand, recognize, or realize under certain circumstances. The examples in Ludwig confirm this conditional usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they would know" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a hypothetical understanding or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to suggest what a group might understand under specific conditions. It's generally neutral in register, fitting into various contexts from news and media to scientific discussions. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity regarding who 'they' refers to and to avoid using it in situations where the knowledge is already established. Consider using alternative phrases like "they'd be aware" or "they'd understand" for subtle differences in meaning or tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they'd be aware

Focuses on the state of being conscious or informed about something, rather than possessing specific knowledge.

they'd understand

Emphasizes comprehension and insight rather than simply knowing facts.

they'd realize

Highlights the process of becoming aware or understanding something, often after a period of uncertainty.

they'd recognize

Implies the ability to identify something based on previous knowledge or experience.

they'd figure out

Suggests a process of deduction or problem-solving to arrive at a conclusion.

they'd be conscious of

Highlights a state of awareness, potentially concerning the surrounding atmosphere or setting.

they'd be informed

Emphasizes the act of providing information, suggesting a formal or official notification.

they'd be cognisant of

Stresses awareness and understanding, often used in more formal contexts.

they'd have knowledge of

Highlights that they have details of certain topic.

they'd be in the loop

Colloquial expression that implies being included in communications and understanding the details of a given situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they would know" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "they would be aware", "they would recognize", or "they would understand". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "they would know" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "they would know" is generally acceptable in academic writing, especially when discussing hypothetical scenarios or expected knowledge. However, ensure the tone and register align with the specific requirements of your field and publication.

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

"They know" states a present fact, indicating that they currently possess the knowledge. "They would know" suggests a conditional or hypothetical situation, implying they would have the knowledge if certain conditions were met.

How to use "they would know" in a sentence?

You can use "they would know" to express a hypothetical or conditional understanding, as in, "If they had read the instructions, "they would know" what to do."