Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: Know About and Its Uses
Learning English phrasal verbs can significantly boost your fluency, and today we're focusing on a common one: know about. If you want to effectively understand and use English, understanding "know about" is essential. This phrasal verb might seem simple, but it has nuances that can enrich your communication. In this post, we'll delve into what "know about" means, explore its different structures and uses with examples, look at related phrases and synonyms, and finally, test your knowledge with some practice questions. Let's get started on your journey to mastering "know about"!
Table of Contents
- What Does Know About Mean?
- Structure with Know About
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does Know About Mean?
The phrasal verb know about is a cornerstone of everyday English communication, generally meaning to have information or awareness of something or someone. It implies possessing factual knowledge, being familiar with a particular subject, or understanding details about a person, event, or situation. For instance, unlike simply 'knowing' a person (which means being acquainted), to know about them means you have specific information regarding them.
Grasping the nuances of how to use "know about" correctly is crucial. It helps you express your level of awareness precisely and sound more natural in English. This phrasal verb is key for differentiating between superficial acquaintance and deeper informational understanding, making your communication clearer.
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb Kick Out: Meanings & Usage
Structure with Know About
The phrasal verb know about is generally transitive, meaning it typically requires an object—the person, thing, or topic that the knowledge pertains to. It's an incredibly useful phrasal verb because it allows us to discuss awareness and information across various contexts and tenses. Let's delve into its common structures and meanings to fully grasp how to use this phrasal verb effectively.
Meaning 1: To have information or be aware of something
This is its most fundamental and widely used meaning. It signifies possessing factual information or having a general awareness regarding a specific topic, event, situation, or person. This knowledge can be superficial or more detailed, depending on the context.
Structure: Subject + know + about + [something/someone]
- Example 1: Do you know about the new environmental regulations that were just announced?
- Example 2: She knows about his passion for vintage cars; he talks about it all the time.
- Example 3: We know about the concert next Friday, but we haven't bought tickets yet.
Structure (in questions): Auxiliary verb (Do/Does/Did/Will/Can etc.) + Subject + know + about + [something/someone]?
- Example 1: What exactly do you know about the ancient Mayan civilization?
- Example 2: Did they know about the surprise party we meticulously planned for them?
- Example 3: Will you let me know about any updates as soon as you hear them?
Structure (negative): Subject + auxiliary verb + not + know + about + [something/someone]
- Example 1: I don't know anything about advanced physics; it's beyond my understanding.
- Example 2: He claimed he didn't know about the faulty equipment, but the evidence suggested otherwise.
- Example 3: They won't know about our decision until the official announcement.
Meaning 2: To have experience or familiarity with something
This meaning implies a deeper level of understanding, often developed through direct personal experience, prolonged exposure, or dedicated study. It's more than just possessing abstract facts; it suggests a certain level of practical acquaintance or expertise in a field or process.
Structure: Subject + know + about + [a field, a process, a type of experience, challenges]
- Example 1: As a seasoned software developer, she knows about debugging complex code and optimizing performance.
- Example 2: Having lived abroad for ten years, he knows about adapting to different cultures and overcoming language barriers.
- Example 3: They know about the difficulties of raising children in a busy urban environment.
Structure (to emphasize depth of knowledge): Subject + know + a lot/a great deal/little/something/nothing + about + [something/someone]
- Example 1: My grandfather knows a lot about World War II history; he's read countless books on the subject.
- Example 2: I only know a little about investing in the stock market, so I'm seeking professional advice.
- Example 3: She knows something about herbal remedies that her grandmother taught her.
Meaning 3: To be aware of the existence or nature of someone/something (often implying sensitivity or unstated information)
Sometimes, this phrasal verb is used to indicate awareness of something that might not be common knowledge, is perhaps a bit private, sensitive, or is an underlying issue. It can imply being privy to certain information that isn't openly discussed.
- Structure: Subject + know + about + [a secret, a specific delicate situation, a person's hidden trait or past]
- Example 1: Does the manager know about the tension between the two team members?
- Example 2: They definitely know about her previous struggles, but they've chosen not to bring it up.
- Example 3: I think he knows about the financial problems the company is facing, even though it hasn't been officially announced.
"Know About" vs. "Know Of"
It's also useful to distinguish this phrasal verb from "know of."
Know of: This phrase typically means you are aware of someone or something's existence, but you don't necessarily have detailed information or a personal connection. It implies a more superficial level of awareness. For example, "I know of a good Italian restaurant downtown, but I've never eaten there myself." (I'm aware it exists). Another example: "I know of that author, but I haven't read any of her books."
Using "know about": This usually implies a greater depth of information or familiarity. For instance, "I know about that Italian restaurant; their pasta is amazing, and the service is great!" (I have specific information/experience). Similarly, "I know about that author's themes and writing style because I've studied her work."
So, if you know of something, you're aware it exists. If you know about something, you possess more detailed information or understanding regarding it. This distinction is subtle but important for precise communication.
More: Mastering the English Phrasal Verb: Understanding Kick Off
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Understanding synonyms for know about can help you vary your vocabulary and express nuances in meaning. Here are some common alternatives:
| Synonym | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Be aware of | To have knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. | Are you aware of the deadline for this project? |
| Be familiar with | To have a good knowledge or understanding of something or someone. | She is familiar with the local customs. |
| Be informed about | To have been told facts or information about something. | We were informed about the changes in the plan. |
| Understand | To perceive the intended meaning of words, a language, or a speaker. | I understand the difficulties you are facing. |
| Have knowledge of | To possess information, facts, or skills acquired through experience or education. | He has knowledge of various programming languages. |
Using these synonyms can make your English sound more sophisticated and precise. For example, while you might know about a new restaurant in town (you've heard it exists), you become familiar with its menu after dining there a few times. Similarly, you might know about a historical event from reading, but a historian would have knowledge of its intricate details.
More: Keep Up With: Meaning and Usage of this Phrasal Verb
Practice Time!
Let's test your understanding of "know about" with a few questions!
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses "know about"? a) I know about to swim.
b) She knows about the meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
c) Do you know about him personally?
d) They know about French very well.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: What does it mean if someone says, "I know a lot about gardening"? a) They have heard gardening exists.
b) They have significant information and possibly experience in gardening.
c) They are currently learning about gardening.
d) They only know one fact about gardening.
Correct answer: b
Question 3: Choose the best synonym for "know about" in the sentence: "The detective wants to know about the suspect's whereabouts." a) ignore
b) be informed about
c) forget
d) create
Correct answer: b
Question 4: "Sarah didn't ______ the new rules until her colleague told her." Which phrase best completes the sentence? a) knew about
b) knows about
c) know about
d) knowing about
Correct answer: c
Conclusion
Learning and understanding the phrasal verb know about is a valuable step in your English language journey. As we've seen, its meaning can range from general awareness to more specific or experienced knowledge. By understanding its structure and common uses, you can express yourself more clearly and confidently. Keep practicing its usage in different contexts, and don't hesitate to use its synonyms to enrich your vocabulary. The more you use phrasal verbs like know about, the more natural your English will become!