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know of

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To have heard of someone or something, even if you don't know them well.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To be aware of the existence of someone or something, though not necessarily with full or detailed knowledge.

"I know of a good restaurant near the station, but I've never been there myself."

"I know of no way to judge the future but by the past."

— Patrick Henry, speech to the Virginia Convention, 1775
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 formal

(In negative statements) To have no information or evidence about something.

"I know of no reason why the project should be delayed."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Often used in the negative ('I know of no reason') or in polite formal contexts. The distinction between 'know of' and 'know about' is important: 'I know of him' (I've heard his name) vs. 'I know about him' (I have information about his life/work).

Commonly used with

person place reason case example method

Forms

Base
know of
I/you/we/they
3rd person
knows of
he/she/it
Past simple
knew of
yesterday
Past participle
known of
have + pp
-ing form
knowing of
continuous

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