"you knew" vs "do you know"

Question

"you knew" vs "do you know"

The phrases "do you know" and "you knew" are not directly comparable as they are used in different contexts. "Do you know" is used to ask someone if they have knowledge about something in the present, while "you knew" is used to indicate that someone had knowledge about something in the past.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

Use this phrase to talk about someone's past knowledge or awareness of a situation or fact.

Examples:

You knew the answer all along.
I wish you knew how much that meant to me.
She knew he was lying.
They knew the risks involved.
He knew it was a bad idea.

Alternatives:

You were aware
You were informed
You were conscious of
You were familiar with
You were cognizant of

Use this phrase to ask someone if they are aware of something or have information about a particular topic in the present.

Examples:

Do you know where the nearest gas station is?
Do you know how to speak French?
Do you know what time the meeting starts?
Do you know who that person is?
Do you know if it's going to rain tomorrow?

Alternatives:

Are you aware
Are you informed
Have you heard
Can you tell me
Are you familiar with

Answer 1

you knew

This phrase is correct and is used to indicate that someone had knowledge about something in the past.

Answer 2

do you know

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask someone if they have knowledge about something in the present.

"you knew" vs "do you know"

you knew

do you know

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