Know of vs. Know off – Which is Correct?
“Know of” is the correct phrase when you mean that you are aware of or have heard about someone or something. “Know off” is generally an incorrect combination in standard American English, usually caused by confusing “of” with “off.” Use “know about” or “be familiar with” as clearer alternatives instead.
Know of or Know off – Which is Correct?
Know of is the correct phrase for saying that you are aware of a person, place, thing, or fact, even if you do not know it personally or in detail.
Know off is generally incorrect when used as a replacement for know of. The confusion usually comes from the similar pronunciation and spelling of the short words of and off. In standard American English, write “I know of that author,” not “I know off that author.”
Although off is a valid English word, it does not normally follow know to express awareness. You may see off in a different expression, such as know offhand, but that is a separate phrase.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the awareness test: if you could replace the phrase with have heard of or be aware of, choose know of. For example, “I know of that restaurant” means “I have heard of that restaurant.” Remember that of connects you with information, while off usually suggests separation, movement, or removal.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| know of | Verb and preposition | To be aware of or have heard about | I know of several good cafés nearby. |
| know off | Incorrect phrase in this usage | Not the standard way to express awareness | Use “I know of the company,” not “I know off the company.” |
How to Use Know of
Know of means to have some awareness of someone or something. It often suggests limited knowledge: you may have heard the name, recognize the subject, or understand that it exists, without having direct experience or a personal relationship with it.
The phrase is neutral and works in both casual and formal English. It is commonly followed by a noun, noun phrase, or person’s name. It can also appear in questions, especially when asking whether someone has heard about a particular person or thing.
Example 1: I know of a reliable mechanic who can inspect the car.
Example 2: Have you ever heard of that author? I know of her, but I have not read her books.
Example 3: The committee knows of the problem and plans to investigate it.
Etymology of the Phrase Know of
Know comes from the Old English word cnāwan, meaning to recognize, perceive, or understand. Of comes from the Old English preposition of, which expressed a relationship, source, or connection. Together, know of developed the sense of being aware of or having information about someone or something.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between awareness and detailed knowledge makes it easier to use know of accurately.
- Know about: This phrase usually suggests more information than know of. “I know of the project” may mean I have heard about it, while “I know about the project” often implies that I understand its details.
- Hear of: This means to receive information about someone or something, often for the first time. “I have heard of that brand” is close in meaning to “I know of that brand.”
- Know personally: This means to have a direct relationship or firsthand familiarity with someone. Knowing of a person does not necessarily mean knowing that person personally.
- Prepositions: Small words such as of and off can change the meaning or grammatical correctness of a phrase, even when they sound similar in rapid speech.
Examples from Media and Literature
The correct phrase know of appears naturally in conversations, reporting, biographies, and literary narration whenever a speaker refers to general awareness rather than firsthand familiarity.
- News reporting: “Officials know of several complaints related to the service.” This indicates awareness of the complaints without claiming that officials personally experienced them.
- Film dialogue: “I know of a quiet place where we can talk.” The speaker is introducing a place known to them or previously identified.
- Literary narration: “She knew of the family’s reputation but had never met its members.” This contrasts public awareness with personal knowledge.
- Biographical writing: “Many readers know of the scientist’s discoveries, but fewer know the story behind them.” Here, know of refers to broad recognition.
- Everyday conversation: “Do you know of any good bookstores in the area?” The speaker is asking whether the listener is aware of suitable bookstores.
Know of Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Be aware of | To recognize that someone or something exists or is relevant |
| Have heard of | To have received information about someone or something |
| Recognize | To identify or acknowledge someone or something as familiar |
| Be familiar with | To possess some knowledge or awareness of a subject |
| Have knowledge of | To possess information about something; this is more formal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “know off” grammatically correct?
“Know off” is generally not correct when you mean “be aware of” or “have heard about.” Use know of instead.
Question 2: What is the difference between “know of” and “know about”?
Know of often indicates limited awareness, while know about can suggest a deeper understanding. For example, you may know of a company without knowing much about its products.
Question 3: Can I say “I know of him”?
Yes. “I know of him” means that you have heard about him or are aware that he exists. It does not necessarily mean that you have met or personally know him.
Conclusion
Use know of when you mean “be aware of,” “have heard of,” or “recognize the existence of.” Know off is not the standard phrase for this meaning and is usually a spelling or usage error. Pro Tip: Choosing the correct preposition in professional writing strengthens clarity and protects your credibility.
