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"didn't know better" vs "didn't know any better"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Didn't know any better' is used when someone makes a mistake due to lack of knowledge or experience. 'Didn't know better' is used when someone makes a mistake but should have known better based on their knowledge or experience.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

didn't know better

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that someone made a mistake but should have known better based on their knowledge or experience.

Examples:

  • He didn't know better than to leave his keys in the car.
  • She didn't know better than to eat the expired food.

Alternatives:

  • should have known better
  • could have done better
  • ought to have known better
  • should have done better
  • could have known better

didn't know any better

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that someone made a mistake due to lack of knowledge or experience.

Examples:

  • He didn't know any better, so he made the wrong choice.
  • She didn't know any better than to trust him.

Alternatives:

  • didn't know better
  • didn't know any different
  • didn't know any other way
  • didn't know any different
  • didn't know any worse

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