How did you know that? vs How do you know that?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'How did you know that?' is used when referring to a past event or situation, while 'How do you know that?' is used when asking about a current or ongoing situation.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 836 views

How did you know that?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a past event or situation.

This phrase is used to ask someone about how they came to know something that happened in the past.

Examples:

How did you know that she was going to be there?
How did you know that the store was closed yesterday?

Show examples from the web [+]

How did you know that I, I wouldn't last a minute, That I would be so lost without you, That this life, Wouldn't mean a thing without you in it, And I'd come running ...
Dec 11, 2014 ... What is the best response to "how did you know that?" (self. ..... "Wow, how did you know that kissing in the lower lips felt that good? My ex bf of ...
However it can also be used to show the hero's courage, as in: "How did you know that bomb wasn't real?" "I didn't." (It's also used as a punchline, where the ...
Mar 26, 2014 ... I hear people say something like this: How did you come to know that I bought apples? Compare with: How did you know that I bought apples?

Alternatives:

How did you find out about that?
How did you learn about that?

How do you know that?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about a current or ongoing situation.

This phrase is used to ask someone about how they know something that is currently happening or known to them.

Examples:

How do you know that she is coming over?
How do you know that the meeting is at 3 p.m.?

Show examples from the web [+]

Okay. How do you know that?
Hitler then asks, "How do you know that?"
-How do you know that? -I read about it, in a book.
Wait, how do you know that?
-How do you know that? -Go there all the time.
- How do you know that?
And you said, "How do you know that?"
Man, how do you know that?
Wait, how do you know that?
Jacob, how do you know that?
Really, how do you know that?
Cam, how do you know that?
Wilson, how do you know that?
Henry, how do you know that?
If there is no body, how do you know that?
Mark: Wait, how do you know that?
Now, see, how do you know that?
You say that, but how do you know that?
How did - how do you know that?
How do you know that?.

Alternatives:

How do you find out about that?
How do you learn about that?

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How did you know that? vs How do you know that?