who knows

USAGE SUMMARY

"who knows" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is most commonly used as a way of showing uncertainty about the answer to a question, or about the outcome of a situation. For example: "The election results will be announced tomorrow, but who knows what will happen?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who knows you best?

The New York Times

Short answer: who knows?

The New York Times

" 'Who knows'?" I said.

The New Yorker

A: Who knows?

The New Yorker

Now, who knows?

The New York Times

Or who knows.

The New Yorker

And who knows?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Who knows?" he says.

The New Yorker

Then again, who knows?

The New York Times - Books

Although who knows?

The New York Times - Arts

A dreamer? Who knows?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "who knows" to introduce an element of uncertainty or possibility into your writing, adding a conversational tone.

Common error

While "who knows" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal writing, as it can diminish the seriousness of the topic. Opt for more formal alternatives like "it remains uncertain" or "the outcome is yet to be determined".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who knows" functions primarily as an interrogative expression used rhetorically to indicate that the speaker does not know, or that the answer is unknowable. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Who knows" is a common phrase used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is rhetorical, serving to indicate that the speaker either doesn't have an answer or believes the answer is unknowable. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase carries a neutral to informal tone, making it versatile for different writing styles. While grammatically correct, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, "who knows" is a succinct way to introduce an element of speculation or possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's anyone's guess

Emphasizes unpredictability or that the outcome is uncertain.

it's uncertain

Directly states the lack of certainty.

nobody can say

Highlights the impossibility of knowing the answer.

your guess is as good as mine

Implies that the speaker has no more knowledge than the listener.

it's not possible to know

Focuses on the lack of information or means to determine something.

there's no telling

Stresses the inability to predict what will happen.

it's up in the air

Suggests that the situation is unresolved and the outcome is uncertain.

the future is unclear

Shifts the focus to the uncertainty of future events.

it remains to be seen

Indicates that the outcome will only be revealed with time.

only time will tell

Highlights that the answer will be revealed in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "who knows" in a sentence?

You can use "who knows" to express uncertainty about a future event, like: "Will they finish the project on time? "Who knows"?"

What are some alternatives to "who knows"?

Instead of "who knows", you could use alternatives such as "it's anyone's guess", "nobody can say", or "it's uncertain".

Is it appropriate to use "who knows" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "who knows" is better suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "the outcome is uncertain" or "it is not yet known".

What does "who knows" imply?

"Who knows" implies that the speaker does not have the answer and that the answer may be impossible to determine with the available information.