Know / Know How

Know vs. Know How

Understanding the difference between “know” and “know how” is important for expressing knowledge and skills accurately in English. While both terms relate to knowledge, they have distinct meanings and usage. In this section, we will explore the differences between “know” and “know how” and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.

1- Know: The verb “know” refers to having information, awareness, or familiarity with something. It indicates the possession of knowledge or understanding about a fact, concept, or piece of information. “Know” is used to express awareness or recognition of something without necessarily indicating proficiency or skill in performing the task or activity.

Example: I know the capital of France is Paris.

2- Know How: “Know how” refers to possessing the necessary skills, expertise, or ability to perform a particular task or activity. It emphasizes practical knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge in a specific context. “Know how” is used to convey proficiency or skill in executing a task or activity.

Example: She knows how to play the guitar.

3- Usage:

– Use “know” when talking about possessing information, facts, or understanding about something.

– Use “know how” when discussing the ability or proficiency to perform a specific task or activity.

Example:

– I know French grammar rules. (knowledge about grammar)

– He knows how to bake a cake. (ability to perform the task)

Conclusion: Understanding the distinction between “know” and “know how” is essential for accurate communication in English. “Know” relates to possessing knowledge or awareness, while “know how” signifies possessing the skills or ability to perform a specific task. By using these terms correctly, you can effectively express your knowledge and skills in various contexts. Practice incorporating “know” and “know how” in your conversations to enhance your English language proficiency.

Know vs. Know How

Exercise-1

Choose the correct form of know or know how in these sentences.

1. If he __, he would lend his car.
2. I don’t __ to use the card catalog in the library.
3. Until he came to the United States to study, he didn’t __ to cook.
4. Do you __ to type?
5. You’ll have to help her because she doesn’t __ to do it.
6. Although Mark has been cooking for many years, he still doesn’t__ to prepare French food in the traditional manner.
7. Marcy said that she __ the procedures for doing the experiment, but when we began to work in the laboratory, she found that she was mistaken.
8. Did you __ that the actors’ strike would delay the beginning of the new television season and cause the cancellation of many contracts?
9. He __ to repair the carburetor without taking the whole car apart.
10. George __ he could improve his test scores, but he did not have enough time to study.
11.The director of this organization must __ to manage money, sell his product, and satisfy the stockholders.
12. A good student must __ to study effectively.
13. It is extremely important for an engineer to __ to use a computer.

Answers

1. knew 5. know how 9. knows how 13. know how
2. know how 6. know how 10. knew
3. know how 7. knew 11. know how
4. know how 8. know 12. know how

Correct sentences:

1- If he knew, he would lend his car.
2- I don’t know how to use the card catalog in the library.
3- Until he came to the United States to study, he didn’t know how to cook.
4- Do you know how to type?
5- You’ll have to help her because she doesn’t know how to do it.
6- Although Mark has been cooking for many years, he still doesn’t know how to prepare French food in the traditional manner.
7- Marcy said that she knew the procedures for doing the experiment, but when we began to work in the laboratory, she found that she was mistaken.
8- Did you know that the actors’ strike would delay the beginning of the new television season and cause the cancellation of many contracts?
9- He knows how to repair the carburetor without taking the whole car apart.
10- George knew he could improve his test scores, but he did not have enough time to study.
11- The director of this organization must know how to manage money, sell his product, and satisfy the stockholders.
12- A good student must know how to study effectively.

KNOW KNOW HOW