"if you know" vs "if you knew"

Question

"if you know" vs "if you knew"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'If you know' is used in present or future situations, while 'if you knew' is used in past or hypothetical situations. They cannot be directly compared as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used in present or future situations to express a condition or possibility based on current knowledge.

Examples:

If you know the answer, please raise your hand.
I will be surprised if you know the truth.
If you know how to fix it, please help me.
It's easier if you know the trick.
If you know the way, please guide us.

This phrase is used in past or hypothetical situations to express a condition or possibility based on knowledge that may not be current.

Examples:

If you knew the answer, why didn't you say so?
I would have come earlier if you knew I was waiting.
If you knew the truth, would you tell me?
It would be easier if you knew the trick.
If you knew the way, you should have told us.

Answer 1

if you know

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

if you knew

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"if you know" vs "if you knew"

if you know

if you knew

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