I Knew vs. I Know

Attribute	I Knew	I Know
Definition	Understanding something in the past	Understanding something presently
Time Frame	Past	Present
Level of Certainty	Less certain	More certain
Experience	Prior knowledge or awareness	Current knowledge or awareness
Subjectivity	May be influenced by biases or limited information	Objective or based on complete information
Context	Past context	Present context

Introduction

Language is a powerful tool that allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and knowledge. Two phrases that may seem similar at first glance but carry distinct meanings are "I knew" and "I know." While both phrases refer to a state of understanding, they differ in terms of tense, certainty, and the source of knowledge. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "I knew" and "I know" to shed light on their subtle yet significant differences.

Tense

The first notable distinction between "I knew" and "I know" lies in their respective tenses. "I knew" is past tense, indicating that the understanding or knowledge existed in the past but may not be relevant or applicable in the present. It suggests that the speaker had knowledge or awareness of something at a specific point in the past. On the other hand, "I know" is present tense, indicating that the understanding or knowledge is current and applicable at the time of speaking. It suggests that the speaker possesses knowledge or awareness of something in the present moment.

Certainty

Another aspect that sets "I knew" apart from "I know" is the level of certainty conveyed by each phrase. "I knew" implies a level of certainty about the past knowledge or understanding. It suggests that the speaker is confident in their previous awareness or comprehension of a particular subject or situation. However, this certainty may be subject to change or revision as new information emerges. On the contrary, "I know" implies a higher level of certainty in the present. It suggests that the speaker is confident in their current knowledge or understanding and does not anticipate any significant changes or revisions to their understanding of the subject matter.

Source of Knowledge

The source of knowledge is another crucial factor that distinguishes "I knew" from "I know." "I knew" often implies that the knowledge or understanding was acquired through past experiences, learning, or information that was available at a specific point in time. It suggests that the speaker had access to certain information or had personal experiences that led to their previous understanding. On the other hand, "I know" does not necessarily indicate the source of knowledge explicitly. It can encompass various means of acquiring knowledge, such as personal experiences, education, research, or even intuition. The source of knowledge in "I know" is often left unspecified, focusing more on the speaker's current state of understanding rather than the specific origin of that knowledge.

Flexibility

Flexibility is an attribute that sets "I knew" and "I know" apart. "I knew" implies a fixed understanding or knowledge that existed in the past. It suggests that the speaker's understanding was limited to a specific point in time and may not have evolved or adapted since then. However, "I know" allows for flexibility and adaptability in the present. It suggests that the speaker's understanding is not static and can be updated or modified based on new information or changing circumstances. "I know" acknowledges the potential for growth and development of knowledge, whereas "I knew" implies a more rigid and unchanging state of understanding.

Confidence

Confidence is another aspect that differentiates "I knew" from "I know." "I knew" often carries a sense of certainty and confidence in the past knowledge or understanding. However, this confidence may be tempered by the recognition that new information or perspectives may have emerged since then. On the other hand, "I know" typically conveys a higher level of confidence in the present. It suggests that the speaker is more assured and self-assured in their current knowledge or understanding, without significant doubts or reservations. "I know" reflects a stronger sense of conviction and certainty compared to "I knew."

Conclusion

While "I knew" and "I know" may appear similar on the surface, they possess distinct attributes that set them apart. The tense, certainty, source of knowledge, flexibility, and confidence associated with each phrase contribute to their nuanced differences. "I knew" refers to past knowledge or understanding, with a level of certainty that may be subject to change. It often implies a specific source of knowledge and a more rigid state of understanding. On the other hand, "I know" refers to present knowledge or understanding, with a higher level of certainty and flexibility. It does not explicitly specify the source of knowledge and reflects a stronger sense of confidence. Understanding these attributes can help us communicate more precisely and effectively, ensuring that our intended meaning is accurately conveyed.