how to spell known

2 min read 27-02-2025

The word "known" is a common English word, but its spelling can sometimes be tricky. It's easy to get confused about whether it's "knowed" or "knowen." This simple guide will clear up any confusion and show you how to spell "known" correctly every time.

Understanding the Root Word

The correct spelling of "known" comes from its past participle form of the verb "to know." The verb "to know" has irregular conjugations, meaning it doesn't follow standard grammatical rules for forming past tense.

Let's look at the different forms:

Present tense: know
Past tense: knew
Past participle: known

Why Not "Knowed" or "Knowen"?

Many words ending in "-ow" form their past participles by adding "-ed". However, "know" is an exception. "Knowed" is simply incorrect. "Knowen" might seem plausible, but it's an archaic spelling, not used in modern English.

Using "Known" in a Sentence

To solidify your understanding, let's practice using "known" correctly in a few sentences:

The facts were **known** to the authorities.
He is **known** for his kindness.
She's a **known** expert in her field.
It is a widely **known** fact.

Commonly Confused Words

While "known" itself is fairly straightforward, it's helpful to distinguish it from similar-sounding words that have different meanings and spellings. These are:

No: meaning "not" - This is a completely different word.
Now: indicating the present time - This word has a different meaning entirely.
Knoll: a small round hill - Completely different meaning and spelling

Memorization Techniques

If you're still struggling to remember the correct spelling, try these methods:

Write it down repeatedly: This physical act helps cement the spelling in your memory.
Use it in sentences: The more you use the word in context, the more natural its spelling will become.
Create flashcards: This is a great way to test yourself and reinforce learning.
Use a mnemonic device: Try associating "known" with something memorable. For instance, you could associate it with a well-known figure, place, or event.

Conclusion

Remembering how to spell "known" correctly is simply a matter of understanding its irregular conjugation and practicing its use. By understanding the root word and its past participle form, and utilizing various memorization techniques, you can master this seemingly tricky word and use it confidently in your writing. Now you know how to spell "known"!