to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing awareness, understanding, or familiarity with something. Example: "I want to know more about the project before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Baron wants to know.

The New Yorker

Marty pretended to know.

The New Yorker

He ought to know.

The New York Times

Everyone wants to know".

The New Yorker

That's nice to know.

The New York Times - Books

Very hard to know.

The New York Times

Hard to know.

The New York Times - Arts

So much to know!

The New Yorker

"I'd want to know".

The New Yorker

He's hard to know.

The New York Times - Arts

It's difficult to know".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to know" when you want to emphasize understanding, awareness, or familiarity with a subject. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being known.

Common error

While "to know" is versatile, overuse in formal contexts can make writing sound simplistic. Substitute with more precise verbs like "to ascertain", "to determine", or "to comprehend" to add sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to know" primarily functions as an infinitive, often acting as a verb complement or part of a larger verb phrase. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates understanding, awareness, or familiarity. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, expressing the act of gaining or possessing knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to know" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive indicating understanding, awareness, or familiarity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, more precise verbs might be preferable in formal writing to avoid vagueness. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, "to know" serves a fundamental role in expressing the acquisition, possession, or desire for knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to understand

Emphasizes comprehension and grasping the meaning of something, highlighting a deeper level of knowledge.

to find out

Indicates the action of obtaining information, often through inquiry or investigation, focusing on information retrieval.

to comprehend

Stresses the process of grasping something fully and completely, suggesting a more thorough understanding.

to be aware

Focuses on the state of being conscious or informed about something, shifting from understanding to simple awareness.

to recognize

Highlights the ability to identify something previously encountered or known, focusing on familiarity.

to perceive

Emphasizes sensory awareness and the ability to detect or notice something, highlighting awareness.

to ascertain

Focuses on discovering or establishing something definitely, implying an effort to find out.

to determine

Stresses the act of finding out or establishing something precisely, highlighting a definitive conclusion.

to learn

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge or skill through study, experience, or being taught, focusing on acquisition.

to discover

Emphasizes finding something unexpectedly or while searching for something else, highlighting an element of chance.

FAQs

How can I use "to know" in a sentence?

You can use "to know" to express understanding, awareness, or familiarity. For example: "It's important "to know" the risks involved before making a decision."

What are some alternatives to "to know"?

Alternatives include "to understand", "to be aware", "to recognize", or "to comprehend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to know"?

While generally correct, "to know" can be vague. In formal writing, using more specific verbs (e.g., "ascertain", "determine") can improve clarity and precision.

What's the difference between "to know" and "to understand"?

"To know" implies awareness or familiarity, while "to understand" suggests a deeper level of comprehension and insight. You might "know" a fact, but "understand" its implications.