I knew you are vs I knew you were

The correct phrase is "I knew you were." This is because when using the verb "knew" in the past tense, the following verb should also be in the past tense to maintain consistency. "I knew you are" is not correct in this context.

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 165 views

This phrase is not correct in English.

"I knew you are"

The correct form is to use the past tense of the verb "be" (were) after the past tense verb "knew." This maintains the correct sequence of tenses.

Show examples from the web [+]

I knew you are
I knew you are a man who presented a darkness to the world because that is what protected you best.
I knew you are still alive!
And when I knew you are ready I let you go
I knew you are here.
I made you my son-in-law even though I knew that you are born by a babarian woman.
I knew that you girls are here.
I knew that you are married and that there's no secrets.
Yes, I knew who you are. I've been waiting for you to make a move.
You didn't know that I knew and you are totally at a loss of words!
if I knew it you are brilliant I would throw you out earlier
4 For I knew that you are stubborn, and that your neck is like an iron sinew, and that your forehead is like brass.
And I knew... you two are so hung up on family-loyalty nonsense, he said jump, you'd get froggy.
And I knew... you two are so hung up on family-loyalty nonsense, he said jump, you'd get froggy.
I knew it, you are a spy from the nursing home!
You know, and I married you because I thought I knew exactly who you are, and now I don't even recognize you.
4 Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass;
This much I knew: If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff.
It's you. I knew you existed. who are you?
I wouldn't have said anything if I knew - why - why are you trying to fix this?
I knew you could be reasonable.

Alternatives:

I knew you were
I know you are
I know you were
I had known you were
I had known you are

This phrase is correct in English.

"I knew you were"

When using the past tense verb "knew," the following verb should also be in the past tense to maintain consistency. Therefore, "I knew you were" is the correct form.

Show examples from the web [+]

I knew you were in Palermo, but these are terrible days.
I knew you were trouble, humphrey.
I knew you were alive, Captain.
I knew you were back, of course.
I knew you were special from the beginning.
I knew you were a good man.
I knew you were always a good soldier.
I knew you were very busy being vaguely important.
I knew you were just a guy trying to survive.
I knew you were here to help me.
I knew you were on my side.
I knew you were the mother, pendeja.
I knew you were close with Captain Garrovick.
See, I knew you were interesting.
I knew you were on her side.
I knew you were too good at those interrogations.
I knew you were in town for business.
Man, I knew you were a stoner.
I knew you were a keeper.
I knew you were in the locker, you naughty boy.

Alternatives:

I knew you are
I know you are
I know you were
I had known you were
I had known you are

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I knew you are vs I knew you were

"I knew you are"

"I knew you were"

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