"Knew" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Knew" Meaning

The verb "knew" is the past simple tense of the verb "know". It means to be aware of or have understood something before, and also to have past experience or familiarity with something. For example: "I knew her when we were in school."

"Knew" Examples

Usage Examples of "Knew"

Past Participle Verb

Use "knew" as a past participle verb to describe a completed action in the past:
I knew the answer to the question, but I didn't share it. (indicating a completed action in the past)
They knew the result before it was announced. (indicating a completed action in the past)

Past Simple Verb

Use "knew" as a past simple verb to describe a completed action in the past:
I knew John when I was in college. (indicating a completed action in the past)
She knew how to play the piano by the time she was five. (indicating a completed action in the past)

Passive Voice

Use "knew" in passive voice to describe an action being done to the subject:
The problem was known to many people. (the subject "problem" is acted upon by the action "knew")
The solution was known only to a few experts. (the subject "solution" is acted upon by the action "knew")

Object of Verb

Use "knew" as an object of the verb to introduce a new information or an experience:
I knew a person who could speak five languages fluently. (object of verb, introducing a new experience)
She knew the secret ingredients of her famous recipe. (object of verb, introducing new information)

Predicative Complement

Use "knew" as a predicative complement to describe the state or condition of the subject:
He knew the hotel room rate was too high. (subject "he" is in a state of knowing the rate)
They knew the company was in financial trouble. (subject "they" is in a state of knowing the company's situation)