Past Tense of “know”
The past simple of “know” is “knew” and the past participle is “known”. Below are the pronunciation, three example sentences, the mistake learners make most often, and a short drill to check yourself.
Forms of “know”
know – knew – known
have information about; be familiar with
- Base form
- know/noʊ/
- Past simple
- knew/nuː/
- Past participle
- known/noʊn/
- -ing form
- knowing
- He / she / it
- knows
Pronunciation (US)
Quick practice
5 questions. Type the missing form.
Example sentences
Three everyday sentences that show how the forms are used.
Past simple
I knew the answer, but I was too shy to say it.
Past participle
We have known each other since school.
Passive
The city is known for its old bridges.
The most common mistake
Wrong
I have knew her for ten years.
Correct
I have known her for ten years.
After “have”, use the past participle “known”. “Knew” is the past simple.
Verbs with the same pattern
All 3 forms different. Learn these together.