Not having known vs Having not known

Both "not having known" and "having not known" are correct constructions in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Not having known" is more used more frequently and sounds more natural in most situations. However, "having not known" can be used for emphasis or to create a specific stylistic effect.

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Last updated: March 18, 2025 • 4505 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Not having known"

This phrase is used to indicate the absence of knowledge or awareness about something in the past.

Examples:

Not having known about the meeting, she missed it.
I regret not having known the truth earlier.
Not having known the answer, he decided to ask for help.
She felt guilty for not having known about the accident.
Not having known his address, I couldn't send him an invitation.

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Not having known the deceased personally, I'm in no position to perform a proper eulogy.
I regret not having known before.
Must begin life with my family or I die not having known peace.
He died on April 29, 1900, without having given any sign of openness to the eternal realities. Alessandra was left a widow at 24 with two children and the feeling of not having known how to succeed in her spiritual mission for her husband.
Too bad not having known you before, at least a century before, to discover still in your purest essence. I arrived late but you are running too fast.
So what's the job that makes up for me not having known about any of this?
Thanks for everything, hello Fabrizio has been a pleasure and hello Francesca (not having known sin! I wanted to make you my compliments on the furniture, you were very good!) Soon, Ersilia & Frederick (Rome)
In other words, we can go through life without thinking about it consciously or explicitly asking for it. Then one day we realize that "all is mercy" and we weep bitterly for not having known it earlier, when we needed it most!
The tragedy of the Cuban Revolution... lies in not having known how to institutionalize this an administration with legal rights in the Americas.

Alternatives:

not knowing
being unaware
lacking knowledge
being uninformed
having no idea

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"Having not known"

This phrase can be used for emphasis or to create a specific stylistic effect in writing or speech.

Examples:

Having not known the truth, he made a decision based on false information.
She left the party early, having not known many of the guests.
Having not known about the surprise, she was genuinely shocked.
Having not known the consequences, he acted recklessly.
The project failed, having not known the challenges it would face.

Show examples from the web [+]

The reason for this is all too often due to having not known what was important to the customer in the first place.
I regret not having known before.
The tragedy of the Cuban Revolution... lies in not having known how to institutionalize this an administration with legal rights in the Americas.
Not having known the deceased personally, I'm in no position to perform a proper eulogy.
He died on April 29, 1900, without having given any sign of openness to the eternal realities. Alessandra was left a widow at 24 with two children and the feeling of not having known how to succeed in her spiritual mission for her husband.
Must begin life with my family or I die not having known peace.
Too bad not having known you before, at least a century before, to discover still in your purest essence. I arrived late but you are running too fast.
So what's the job that makes up for me not having known about any of this?
Thanks for everything, hello Fabrizio has been a pleasure and hello Francesca (not having known sin! I wanted to make you my compliments on the furniture, you were very good!) Soon, Ersilia & Frederick (Rome)
In other words, we can go through life without thinking about it consciously or explicitly asking for it. Then one day we realize that "all is mercy" and we weep bitterly for not having known it earlier, when we needed it most!
Even without having known those good souls that they are.
I guess it must be harder having known her.
I guess it must be harder having known her.
Having known earlier, I would have cleaned.
Having known Philippe Busquin for years, I have full confidence in his personal integrity.
BoJack, there are millions of people who are better off for having known you.
I can't risk having known associates around.
David was an affirming flame, and we should all feel grateful for having known him.
Lady Wakasa departed this world without ever having known love.
I was neither happy nor ignorant, having known about the last three women before Madame Tourville.

Alternatives:

not having known
being unaware
lacking knowledge
being uninformed
having no idea

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Not having known vs Having not known

"Not having known"

"Having not known"

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