Understanding the different forms of the verb “know” – particularly its past tense (“knew”) and past participle (“known”) – is crucial for effective English communication. These forms are used in a wide range of tenses and sentence structures, and mastering their usage will significantly improve your grammatical accuracy and fluency. This article provides a comprehensive guide to “know,” “knew,” and “known,” explaining their definitions, structures, usage rules, common mistakes, and offering plenty of practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently use these verb forms in your writing and speaking.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students. Native speakers who wish to refresh their knowledge of English grammar may also find it useful. By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to use “know,” “knew,” and “known” correctly in various tenses and contexts.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Know, Knew, and Known
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Usage
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Know, Knew, and Known
The verb “know” is a fundamental verb in the English language, expressing awareness, understanding, or familiarity with a fact, person, or thing. It is an irregular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle forms do not follow the standard “-ed” ending rule.
Know
“Know” is the base form of the verb. It is used in the present tense to indicate a current state of awareness or understanding. It can also be used in the infinitive form (“to know”) and in the present participle/gerund form (“knowing”).
Knew
“Knew” is the simple past tense form of “know.” It is used to describe something that was known or understood at a specific point in the past. There is no ongoing or present connection; the knowledge was held in the past.
Known
“Known” is the past participle form of “know.” It is used with auxiliary verbs (such as “have,” “has,” “had,” “is,” “was”) to form perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, future perfect) and the passive voice. It indicates that something has been, had been, or is being recognized or understood.
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structural breakdown of “know,” “knew,” and “known” involves recognizing how these forms function within different verb tenses and sentence structures. The correct usage of these forms depends on the context and the intended meaning.
The following table illustrates the basic forms of the verb “know”:
| Form | Tense/Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Know | Present Tense, Infinitive | I know the answer. / I want to know more. |
| Knew | Simple Past Tense | She knew the truth yesterday. |
| Known | Past Participle (Perfect Tenses, Passive Voice) | I have known him for years. / It is known that he is honest. |
| Knowing | Present Participle/Gerund | Knowing the risks, he proceeded anyway. |
Here’s a breakdown of how each form is used in different tenses:
- Simple Present: I/You/We/They know, He/She/It knows
- Simple Past: I/You/He/She/It/We/They knew
- Present Perfect: I/You/We/They have known, He/She/It has known
- Past Perfect: I/You/He/She/It/We/They had known
- Future Perfect: I/You/He/She/It/We/They will have known
- Passive Voice (Present): is/are known
- Passive Voice (Past): was/were known
Types and Categories of Usage
The forms “know,” “knew,” and “known” are used in various tenses and grammatical structures. The following sections detail the most common usages.
Simple Past (Knew)
The simple past tense (“knew”) is used to describe actions or states that were completed at a specific time in the past. It does not imply any ongoing or present relevance. The time frame is usually explicitly stated or implied.
Present Perfect (Have/Has Known)
The present perfect tense (“have/has known”) is used to describe actions or states that started in the past and continue to the present, or have a present relevance. It connects the past to the present.
Past Perfect (Had Known)
The past perfect tense (“had known”) is used to describe an action or state that was completed before another action or time in the past. It establishes a sequence of events in the past.
Passive Voice (Is/Was Known)
The passive voice (“is/was known”) is used when the subject of the sentence is acted upon, rather than performing the action. It emphasizes the thing or person being known, rather than the one who knows.
Examples
The following examples illustrate the correct usage of “know,” “knew,” and “known” in various contexts.
Examples of “Know”
These examples demonstrate the use of “know” in the present tense, infinitive, and present participle forms.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I know the answer to that question. | Expresses present knowledge. |
| Do you know how to play the piano? | Asks about a skill or knowledge. |
| She knows a lot about history. | Indicates a broad area of knowledge. |
| We know that honesty is the best policy. | Expresses a generally accepted truth. |
| They know the importance of hard work. | Indicates understanding of a concept. |
| I want to know more about this topic. | Infinitive form expressing a desire for knowledge. |
| It’s important to know your limitations. | Infinitive form expressing a necessary understanding. |
| He needs to know the truth. | Infinitive form expressing a requirement. |
| She is knowing what to do next. (Less common, but grammatically correct in some contexts) | Present continuous tense, expressing an ongoing state of understanding (though “she knows” is often preferred) |
| Knowing the risks, he proceeded with caution. | Gerund phrase acting as a noun, indicating awareness. |
| Knowing her well, I wasn’t surprised by her reaction. | Gerund phrase providing context or reason. |
| He is always knowing something new. (Uncommon, but emphasizes continuous learning) | Present continuous, emphasizing ongoing learning. |
| I know him to be a reliable person. | Expressing a judgment or belief about someone. |
| They know the rules of the game. | Indicates familiarity with established guidelines. |
| She knows exactly what she wants. | Expresses clarity of desire or intention. |
| We know better than to trust him. | Expresses a learned caution or wisdom. |
| Do you know where the library is? | Asking for directions or information. |
| He knows how to fix computers. | Expressing a technical skill. |
| I know that feeling all too well. | Expressing empathy or understanding. |
| They know how to handle difficult situations. | Expressing competence in problem-solving. |
Examples of “Knew”
These examples demonstrate the use of “knew” in the simple past tense.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I knew the answer yesterday. | Indicates past knowledge at a specific time. |
| She knew him when they were children. | Indicates a past relationship or acquaintance. |
| We knew that the decision was difficult. | Indicates past awareness of a situation. |
| They knew the risks involved. | Indicates past understanding of potential dangers. |
| He knew what he wanted to say. | Indicates past clarity of thought or intention. |
| I knew it all along. | Expresses a belated confirmation of a previous belief. |
| She knew something was wrong. | Indicates past suspicion or intuition. |
| We knew we had to act quickly. | Indicates past awareness of urgency. |
| They knew the consequences of their actions. | Indicates past understanding of repercussions. |
| He knew the secret but didn’t tell anyone. | Indicates past possession of confidential information. |
| I knew that this would happen. | Expresses a past prediction or expectation. |
| She knew how to solve the problem. | Indicates a past skill or ability. |
| We knew where to find him. | Indicates past knowledge of a location. |
| They knew the truth about the situation. | Indicates past possession of factual information. |
| He knew the importance of being on time. | Indicates past understanding of a value or principle. |
| I knew her before she became famous. | Indicates a past relationship before a change in status. |
| She knew the answer, but she didn’t say anything. | Indicates past possession of information that was withheld. |
| We knew that it was going to be a long day. | Indicates a past anticipation of a future event. |
| They knew the way to the station. | Indicates past knowledge of a route. |
| He knew that he had made a mistake. | Indicates a past realization of an error. |
Examples of “Known”
These examples demonstrate the use of “known” in perfect tenses and the passive voice.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I have known him for many years. | Present perfect tense, indicating a relationship that started in the past and continues to the present. |
| She has known the truth since she was a child. | Present perfect tense, indicating knowledge that began in the past and continues to the present. |
| We have known about this problem for a while. | Present perfect tense, indicating awareness over a period of time. |
| They have known each other since college. | Present perfect tense, indicating a long-standing relationship. |
| He has known success and failure in his career. | Present perfect tense, indicating experience of different outcomes. |
| I had known him before he became famous. | Past perfect tense, indicating a relationship that existed before a specific time in the past. |
| She had known the answer, but she forgot it. | Past perfect tense, indicating past knowledge that was lost. |
| We had known that the storm was coming. | Past perfect tense, indicating prior awareness of an event. |
| They had known the area well before the development. | Past perfect tense, indicating familiarity with a place before a change. |
| He had known the consequences of his actions. | Past perfect tense, indicating prior understanding of results. |
| It is known that smoking is harmful. | Passive voice in the present tense, stating a generally accepted fact. |
| The suspect is known to the police. | Passive voice in the present tense, indicating familiarity with authorities. |
| The building is known for its unique architecture. | Passive voice in the present tense, indicating a notable characteristic. |
| It was known that he was innocent. | Passive voice in the past tense, stating a fact that was recognized in the past. |
| The song was known throughout the country. | Passive voice in the past tense, indicating widespread familiarity. |
| He will have known the answer by then. | Future perfect tense, indicating future knowledge. |
| By the time we arrive, she will have known the results. | Future perfect tense, indicating anticipated future knowledge. |
| They will have known the challenges ahead. | Future perfect tense, indicating future awareness of difficulties. |
| Having known the truth, he couldn’t lie. | Perfect participle, indicating a prior state of knowledge affecting current actions. |
| After having known her for so long, he felt comfortable. | Perfect participle, indicating a long-standing relationship influencing present feelings. |
Usage Rules
The correct usage of “know,” “knew,” and “known” depends on the tense and context of the sentence. Understanding these rules is essential for accurate communication.
Present Tense Rules (Know)
Use “know” to express a current state of awareness, understanding, or familiarity. Remember to use “knows” for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it).
Past Tense Rules (Knew)
Use “knew” to describe something that was known or understood at a specific point in the past. The time frame should be clear, either explicitly stated or implied.
Past Participle Rules (Known)
Use “known” with auxiliary verbs (“have,” “has,” “had,” “is,” “was”) to form perfect tenses and the passive voice. Ensure that the auxiliary verb agrees with the subject in number and tense.
Common Mistakes
One common mistake is confusing “knew” and “known.” Remember that “knew” is the simple past tense, while “known” is the past participle and requires an auxiliary verb.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I have knew him for years. | I have known him for years. | “Known” is the correct past participle form to use with “have.” |
| She known the answer yesterday. | She knew the answer yesterday. | “Knew” is the correct simple past tense form. |
| It is knew that he is honest. | It is known that he is honest. | “Known” is the correct past participle form to use in the passive voice. |
| He knowed the truth. | He knew the truth. | “Knowed” is not a correct form of the verb “know.” |
| I known her since childhood. | I have known her since childhood. | The present perfect tense requires “have/has known.” |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “know,” “knew,” and “known” with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “know” (know, knew, known).
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I ______ the answer to that question. | know |
| 2. She ______ him when they were in college. | knew |
| 3. It is ______ that exercise is good for your health. | known |
| 4. We have ______ about this project for months. | known |
| 5. He ______ that he should have studied harder. | knew |
| 6. Do you ______ how to speak French? | know |
| 7. The truth was finally ______. | known |
| 8. I had ______ her for years before she moved away. | known |
| 9. They ______ the risks involved in the experiment. | knew |
| 10. She ______ what she wanted to do with her life. | knew |
Exercise 2: Sentence Correction
Correct the following sentences if they contain errors in the use of “know,” “knew,” or “known.” If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I have knew her for a long time. | I have known her for a long time. |
| 2. She known the answer yesterday. | She knew the answer yesterday. |
| 3. It is know that he is a good person. | It is known that he is a good person. |
| 4. He knewed the truth all along. | He knew the truth all along. |
| 5. I know the answer. | Correct |
| 6. They have known each other since childhood. | Correct |
| 7. We had knew that the storm was coming. | We had known that the storm was coming. |
| 8. She is knowing what to do. | She knows what to do. (More natural) |
| 9. I am knowing him for 10 years. | I have known him for 10 years. |
| 10. He knewed the secret but didn’t tell anyone. | He knew the secret but didn’t tell anyone. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Construction
Create your own sentences using “know,” “knew,” and “known” in the following contexts:
| Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. Use “know” to express a current skill. | I know how to ride a bicycle. |
| 2. Use “knew” to describe a past understanding. | She knew the answer to the riddle, but she forgot it. |
| 3. Use “known” in the present perfect tense. | We have known each other since elementary school. |
| 4. Use “known” in the passive voice. | The area is known for its beautiful beaches. |
| 5. Use “know” to express a general truth. | Everyone knows that honesty is the best policy. |
| 6. Use “knew” to describe a past fact. | He knew that he had made a mistake. |
| 7. Use “known” in the past perfect tense. | They had known the secret for many years before it was revealed. |
| 8. Use “know” in a question. | Do you know what time it is? |
| 9. Use “knew” to describe a past ability. | She knew how to play the guitar when she was younger. |
| 10. Use “known” to describe a reputation. | He is known for his generosity and kindness. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding idiomatic expressions and nuances of meaning related to “know” can further enhance their language skills.
Idiomatic Expressions with “Know”
Several idiomatic expressions incorporate the verb “know.” Understanding these expressions can enrich your vocabulary and improve your comprehension of spoken and written English.
- Know something inside out: To know something very well. (Example: He knows this engine inside out.)
- Know the ropes: To understand the basics of how to do something. (Example: It takes time to learn the ropes in a new job.)
- In the know: Having access to information that is not generally known. (Example: Ask Sarah; she’s usually in the know.)
- As far as I know: To the best of my knowledge. (Example: As far as I know, the meeting is still scheduled.)
- Get to know someone: To become familiar with someone. (Example: I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.)
Nuances of Meaning
The verb “know” can convey different shades of meaning depending on the context. It can express simple awareness, deep understanding, or personal familiarity.
Consider these examples:
- “I know his name.” (Simple awareness)
- “I know how he feels.” (Empathy and understanding)
- “I know him well.” (Personal familiarity and relationship)
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “know,” “knew,” and “known.”
What is the difference between “knew” and “known”?
“Knew” is the simple past tense of “know,” used to describe something that was known at a specific time in the past. “Known” is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses or the passive voice. For example, “I knew the answer yesterday” (simple past) vs. “I have known him for years” (present perfect).
When should I use “have known” instead of “knew”?
Use “have known” (present perfect) when the action or state started in the past and continues to the present, or has a present relevance. Use “knew” (simple past) when the action or state was completed in the past and has no direct connection to the present. For example, “I have known her since childhood” (present perfect) vs. “I knew her when we were in college” (simple past).
Can “know” be used in the continuous tense (e.g., “I am knowing”)?
While grammatically possible, using “know” in the continuous tense (e.g., “I am knowing”) is generally uncommon and often sounds awkward. It’s usually better to use the simple present tense (“I know”) to express a state of knowledge. However, in some contexts, it can be used to emphasize an ongoing process of learning or understanding, though this is rare. For example, you might say “He is always knowing something new,” but “He always knows something new” is more common and natural. Using “knowing” as a gerund (e.g., “Knowing the risks, he proceeded”) is perfectly acceptable and common.
How do I use “known” in the passive voice?
To use “known” in the passive voice, combine it with a form of the verb “be” (is, are, was, were, been). The subject of the sentence is acted upon, rather than performing the action. For example, “It is known that smoking is harmful” or “The suspect was known to the police.”
What are some common idioms that use the word “know”?
Some common idioms include “know something inside out” (to know something very well), “know the ropes” (to understand the basics of how to do something), “in the know” (having access to information that is not generally known), and “as far as I know” (to the best of my knowledge).
Is it ever correct to say “knowed”?
No, “knowed” is never a correct form of the verb “know.” The correct past tense is “knew,” and the correct past participle is “known.”
What does “have come to know” mean?
“Have come to know” means that you have gradually learned something or gotten to know someone over a period of time. It implies a process of discovery or familiarization. For example, “I have come to know her as a reliable friend.”
How can I improve my usage of “know,” “knew,” and “known”?
Practice using these verb forms in different contexts through writing and speaking exercises. Pay attention to how native speakers use them in books, movies, and conversations. Review grammar rules and examples regularly, and ask for feedback on your usage from teachers or language partners.
Conclusion
Mastering the correct usage of “know,” “knew,” and “known” is essential for clear and accurate communication in English. By understanding their definitions, structural breakdown, and usage rules, you can confidently use these verb forms in various tenses and contexts. Remember to avoid common mistakes and practice regularly to reinforce your understanding. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to use “know,” “knew,” and “known” with ease and precision.
Continue practicing by writing sentences, engaging in conversations, and reading English texts. Pay attention to how native speakers use these verb forms in different contexts. Over time, you’ll develop a strong intuition for their correct usage. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process. With perseverance, you’ll achieve fluency and accuracy in your English language skills.