how you knew about vs how you know about

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'How you knew about' is in the past tense, used when referring to something that happened in the past. 'How you know about' is in the present tense, used when asking about someone's current knowledge. It's important to choose the correct tense based on the timing of the event or information being discussed.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1620 views

This phrase is correct when referring to something that happened in the past.

"how you knew about"

This phrase is used when asking about how someone came to know about something in the past.

Examples:

Can you tell me how you knew about the surprise party?

Show examples from the web [+]

Tell me, tell me how you knew about my heart. You see, see the things that no one else could see. I thought, I was doing fine until you turn my life around
... you'd like to see us do. In the meantime, when someone asks you how you knew about something that you found on the site, tell them “My Little Bird told me. ” ...
Nov 19, 2015 ... "I don't think past lives are real...but don't you think it's weird how some people just KNOW things? Like, how you knew about Uncle and the ...
Tell me, tell me how you knew about my heart. You see, see the things that no one else could see. I thought, I was doing fine until you turned my life around

Alternatives:

how did you know about

This phrase is correct when asking about someone's current knowledge.

"how you know about"

This phrase is used when asking about how someone currently knows about something.

Examples:

Can you explain how you know about the new project?

Show examples from the web [+]

Dec 2, 2015 ... ... know his/ her name so mention his/her name and if this child from your neighbour mention who the parents are how you know about them.
Describe an interesting magazine. Cue card question. A magazine. Describe an interesting magazine. You should say: how you know about this magazine.
Jun 6, 2010 ... ... names of siblings in the home; For an adult: Names of relatives in or outside the home and name of perpetrator; Explain how you know about ...
Aug 15, 2011 ... That's how you know about calls for papers (CFPs) and what other people are working on. For example, I subscribe to two H-NET listservs, the ...

Alternatives:

how do you know about

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

how you knew about vs how you know about