Word: **Know** (knew, known)
Introduction
The verb "know" is fundamental in English, used to convey awareness, understanding, or familiarity with information, facts, or people. Its past forms, "knew" and "known," help articulate this concept across different time frames.
Conjugation
| Tense | Example |
|---|---|
| Present | I know the answer. |
| Past | She knew the truth. |
| Present Perfect | They have known him for years. |
Usage Examples
1. Present Tense
- Simple Present: I know how to play the guitar.
- Present Continuous: She is knowing the details (Note: "knowing" is rarely used in the continuous form as it denotes a state rather than an action).
2. Past Tense
- Simple Past: He knew the rules before the game started.
- Past Continuous: We were knowing about the issue (Uncommon; typically "knew").
3. Present Perfect
- Present Perfect: We have known each other since childhood.
- Present Perfect Continuous: I have been knowing him for a long time (Rare and informal; usually "have known").
4. Past Perfect
- Past Perfect: She had known about the plan before it was announced.
5. Future Tense
- Simple Future: You will know the results tomorrow.
- Future Perfect: By next week, they will have known the outcome.
Common Phrases with "Know"
- Know by heart: She knows the poem by heart.
- Know of: I know of a great restaurant nearby.
- Know about: Do you know about the meeting tomorrow?
- Get to know: I want to get to know my new neighbors.
- Make known: The decision was made known to everyone.
Related Expressions
- Know-how: practical knowledge or expertise
- Example: She has the know-how to fix the machine.
- In the know: being informed or aware
- Example: He’s always in the know about the latest trends.
- No one knows: used to express uncertainty or mystery
- Example: No one knows what happened that night.
Synonyms
- Understand: I understand the situation.
- Recognize: Do you recognize this song?
- Realize: She realized the mistake later.
- Comprehend: He didn’t comprehend the instructions.
- Perceive: They perceived a change in his attitude.
Note on Usage
“Know” is typically used to describe a state of being rather than an action, which is why it is rarely used in progressive forms.
Conclusion
The verb "know" is an essential tool in English for communicating knowledge and understanding. Its forms "knew" and "known" allow speakers to express this concept in the past and perfect tenses, making it a versatile and indispensable part of everyday communication.