How do you know? vs how can you know?

Both "how do you know?" and "how can you know?" are correct phrases in English. They are both used to inquire about someone's knowledge or understanding of a situation. The choice between them depends on the context and the level of certainty or possibility the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1238 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to ask about someone's knowledge or understanding of a situation.

"How do you know?"

This phrase is used to inquire about the basis or source of someone's knowledge. It is a straightforward question seeking information.

Examples:

How do you know the answer to that question?
How do you know he will be late?
How do you know she is telling the truth?
How do you know what to do in this situation?
How do you know where to find the keys?

Show examples from the web [+]

I said, "How do you know?"
(Derek) How do you know?
Yes. How do you know?
Then I'd say, "How do you know?"
But never to exist again? -How do you know?
"He's not in Napa, he's at the ice factory," he'll say, "How do you know?"
and he said, "How do you know?" I said, "I heard it!"
Abraham, how do you know?
Vincent, how do you know?
Look, how do you know?
Lost works, but how do you know?
Dean, how do you know?
But it was anonymous, how do you know?
Helen, how do you know?
I mean, how do you know?
Come on, how do you know?
But my question is, how do you know?
Seriously, how do you know?
The question is, how do you know?
- If you're not thinking it, how do you know?

Alternatives:

How did you find out?
How did you come to know?
How do you have that information?
How do you have that knowledge?
How do you have that insight?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to question the possibility or feasibility of someone knowing something.

"how can you know?"

This phrase is used to express doubt or surprise about someone's knowledge or understanding of a situation. It implies a sense of wonder or skepticism.

Examples:

How can you know what will happen next?
How can you know what's in his mind?
How can you know the outcome already?
How can you know the truth?
How can you know the future?

Show examples from the web [+]

If I'm not sure of that myself, how can you know?
You think it tastes good, but how can you know?
How can you know for sure?
How can you know all about photosynthesis?
So l said: "How can you know that?"
How can you know what I think?
How can you know I'm here?
Angela, how can you know me so well?
If you won't speak, how can you know my heart?
You two are always talking, how can you not know?
How can any of you not know?
You're a grown man, how can you not know?
How can I know what you know?
How can you not want to know?
But how well can you really know someone?
How can you not know Gregory Peck?
How can you not know their names?
My dear Doctor, how can you possibly know that?
With respect, how can you possibly know that?
How can you not know, son?

Alternatives:

How is it possible that you know?
How could you possibly know?
How do you have that insight?
How do you have that information?
How do you have that knowledge?

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How do you know? vs how can you know?

"How do you know?"

"how can you know?"

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