know vs know of

[ched133]

Hi,

When do you use Know vs Know of?

example,

Do you know anyone who can do this

Do you know of anyone who can do this

For some reason, I've been hearing "know of" something a lot. If my examples are bad, please give me examples on how to use "know of" properly

Thanks

[Alan]

Hi,

'Know' means have direct knowledge of someone/something. 'Know of' is indirect. You can say: I know Mrs Jones (I have met her and we have spoken together). I know of Mrs Smith ( I have heard about her but I have not met her.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Prepositions

[ched133]

Thanks!

What if you are asking a question that you don't know if the person has direct or indirect knowledge of.

Which is most commonly used

Do you know of anyone
Do you know anyone

[Alan]

That doesn't change anything. The difference I have already explained.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Briefly