"How do you know?" vs "how can you know?"

Question

"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

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?

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 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?

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?

Answer 1

How do you know?

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

Answer 2

how can you know?

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

"How do you know?" vs "how can you know?"

How do you know?

how can you know?

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