know
To know something is to understand it or have information about it. Or, “know” can be used when a thing or a person is familiar to you.
know / knew / known / knowing
Use the word "know" for knowledge and skills:
- Kathy knows algebra.
- She knows how to do algebra. (know how + infinitive+ subject)
- Larry knows French.
- He knows how to speak and write in French.
- What are some things that you know how to do?
- Do you know how to sing?
- Do you know how to cook?
- Nowadays, most people know how to use a computer.
- It’s good to know how to do things for yourself.
Use the word "know" for people:
- Linda knows many people.
- She knows her neighbors.
- She knows the people with whom she works.
- She knows a few people who can fix some things on her house.
- Bob knows his old friend Jerry very well.
- He knows what Jerry likes and doesn’t like.
- He knows Jerry’s family.
- Bob and Jerry have known each other for years.
You can use "know" with most verb tenses, but it's not normally used with continuous tenses:
- I know Jim. (Not, “I’m knowing Jim.”)
- Do you know what do do? (Not, “Are you knowing what to do?”)
- I have known Christine all of my life. (Not, “I have been knowing….” Do you get the idea?)
- Knowing how to swim is an important skill. (The word “knowing” is a gerund–not a verb–in this sentence.)
- It’s been nice knowing you. (This is an expression often used when saying goodbye to someone for the last time.)
Here’s a video that I made for the verb “know” in 2015.