you know what

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you know what" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used in casual conversations as an invitation for the listener to make a guess or offer a suggestion about what the speaker is thinking. For example, "I'm just so frustrated with this project - you know what I mean?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nope, you know what?

The New Yorker

SIMMONDS: You know what?

The New York Times

"You know what happened?

The New York Times

Well, you know what?

The New York Times

You know what is?

The New York Times - Magazine

O.K.! You know what?

The New Yorker

BUSH: You know what?

The New Yorker

"But you know what?

The New York Times - Sports

BOB: You know what?

The New Yorker

Actually, you know what?

The New Yorker

YOU: You know what?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "you know what" sparingly in formal writing. While common in speech, it can make your writing sound less professional.

Common error

Avoid relying on "you know what" as a crutch. If you find yourself using it frequently, revise your writing to be more explicit and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you know what" primarily functions as a discourse marker or conversational filler. It signals shared knowledge or invites the listener to anticipate what the speaker is about to say. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is common in casual contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

28%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"You know what" is a ubiquitous phrase in English, serving as a conversational filler, discourse marker, and a tool for engaging listeners. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Its primary function is to signal shared knowledge or seek agreement. While extremely common, it's best reserved for informal contexts; avoid overuse in professional or academic writing, instead of using it you should opt for more direct and explicit alternatives such as "do you understand" or "are you following me".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

know what I'm saying

Similar function, but focuses on the speaker's act of conveying information.

you see what I mean

Seeks agreement after an explanation or observation.

understand what I mean

Directly asks for confirmation of understanding, more formal than "you know what".

do you understand

Focuses on confirming comprehension, unlike prompting anticipation.

do you follow

A more concise way to ask if someone is understanding.

do you get it

A direct question of understanding, less subtle than the original.

are you following me

Checks if the listener is keeping up with the speaker's explanation.

catch my meaning

Asks whether listener has understood the speaker's intent.

get my drift

Informal way to ask if someone understands the implied meaning.

are we on the same page

Verifies mutual understanding and agreement on a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "you know what" in a sentence?

Use "you know what" to imply something the listener already understands or to seek agreement. For example, "The traffic was terrible, "you know what" I mean?"

What are some alternatives to "you know what"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "do you understand", "are you following me", or "know what I'm saying".

Is it okay to use "you know what" in professional writing?

While acceptable in informal settings, it's generally best to avoid "you know what" in professional writing. Opt for more direct and explicit language instead.

What's the difference between "you know what" and "you know what I mean"?

"You know what" implies a shared understanding or unspoken thought, while "you know what I mean" directly seeks confirmation of understanding. The first one could be also understood as 'I'm about to tell you something'.