What are the definitions of “know of”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To have knowledge or awareness of someone or something.
Do you know of anyone who’s looking for a new car?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “know of”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb know of is to have knowledge or awareness of someone or something. It is often used when asking if someone is aware of a person, place, or thing.
What are the different verb forms of “know of”?
| Root Verb | know of |
| Third Person Singular Present | knows of |
| Present Participle | knowing of |
| Simple Past | knew of |
| Past Participle | known of |
Example
I know of a great restaurant nearby.
Example
She knows of a good dentist in the area.
Example
He is knowing of many interesting facts about history.
Example
They knew of a shortcut to avoid traffic.
Example
The hidden treasure was known of by only a few people.
What kind of phrasal verb is “know of”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“know of” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
Do you know of any good movies to watch?
Example
She knew of a great place to buy fresh vegetables.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“know of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
Do you know of any good movies to watch?
Example
She knew of a great place to buy fresh vegetables.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “know of”?
Know of someone/something
To be aware of the existence of a person, place, or thing.
Example
I know of a few people who might be interested in joining the club.
Know of a solution
To be aware of a possible solution to a problem.
Example
Do you know of any way to fix this issue?
Know of a place
To be aware of a specific location or establishment.
Example
She knows of a great coffee shop in the city.
Good things to know
Does “know of” have an informal or formal tone?
Know of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “know of”?
Synonyms
- acknowledge
- be aware of
- have knowledge of
- be familiar with
- recognize
- understand
- realize
Antonyms
- disregard
- be ignorant of
- be unaware of
- not know
- overlook
- miss
- ignore
