we know

USAGE SUMMARY

"we know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express knowledge or understanding of a situation. For example: "We know that the train leaves at 8am, so we should leave early to catch it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know.

The New York Times

But we know — we know!

The New Yorker

we know.

Princeton University

How do we know?

European Psychiatry

We know, we know, but not yet.

The New Yorker

We know what we know.

The New York Times

We know the feeling.

The New York Times

We know the diff.

The New Yorker

We know the locations.

The New York Times

We know nothing.

The New York Times - Books

Yes, we know.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we know" to establish common ground with your audience. It signals shared understanding and can build trust.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "we know" as it can make your writing sound repetitive and condescending. Vary your sentence structure to keep the reader engaged.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we know" is as a declarative statement expressing shared knowledge or understanding. It asserts that a piece of information is recognized or accepted by a group, as illustrated by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we know" is a very common phrase used to express shared knowledge or understanding. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. It serves to establish common ground, signal agreement, or reassure the audience. While generally neutral in register, overuse can lead to repetitiveness. Alternatives such as "we are aware" or "we understand" can provide variation. Remember to use "we know" judiciously to enhance clarity and connection with your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We are aware

Emphasizes consciousness or recognition of something, indicating a state of being informed.

We understand

Focuses on comprehension, suggesting a deeper grasp of the subject matter.

It is known to us

Formal way to indicate that something is within our knowledge.

We are cognizant

Implies a formal or heightened awareness of something.

We have knowledge of

Highlights the possession of information or facts.

We acknowledge

Suggests recognition or acceptance of something, often a fact or situation.

We recognize

Focuses on identifying or distinguishing something.

We are informed

Indicates that we have received information or have been told about something.

We're in the know

Informal way of saying we have inside information.

We're familiar with

Suggests having previous experience or knowledge about something.

FAQs

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

Use "we know" to indicate shared understanding or agreement. For example: "We know this is a difficult situation, but we can overcome it."

What are some alternatives to "we know"?

You can use alternatives like "we are aware", "we understand", or "we acknowledge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "we know" in formal writing?

In formal writing, "we know" is appropriate when referring to established facts or widely accepted knowledge within a specific field. Avoid using it to express personal opinions or assumptions.

What's the difference between "we know" and "we think"?

"We know" implies certainty based on evidence or experience, whereas "we think" suggests an opinion or belief that may not be fully supported by evidence.