A clarification on the difference between “know,” “meet,” and “be familiar with” in English, focusing on usage and meaning.
Understanding the difference between “know,” “meet,” and “be familiar with” is key to using English verbs accurately. “Know” means having information or awareness about someone or something. “Meet” refers to encountering someone for the first time. “Be familiar with” implies having some experience or knowledge, but not necessarily deep understanding.
- Know = have knowledge or awareness.
- Meet = encounter for the first time.
- Be familiar with = have some experience or recognition.
Verb Meanings
These three verbs play different roles in English:
- Know: to have information, awareness, or understanding about someone or something.
- Meet: to come together with someone, often for the first time.
- Be familiar with: to have some experience with or recognition of a person, place, or thing.
Each verb sets a different context for how we relate to people and information.
Usage Guidelines
Here’s when to use each verb:
- Use know when talking about existing knowledge or relationships.
Example: I know Sarah. She’s my friend.
- Use meet when describing the first encounter with someone.
Example: I met Sarah yesterday.
- Use be familiar with when you have some experience or recognition, but not deep knowledge.
Example: I’m familiar with Sarah’s work.
Examples
Let’s see these verbs in action with the same person, Sarah:
- Know: I know Sarah. We went to school together.
- Meet: I met Sarah at the conference last week.
- Be familiar with: I’m familiar with Sarah’s research on climate change.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors to sound more natural:
- Don’t use meet for ongoing relationships. (“I meet Sarah” is usually wrong unless it’s about a specific event.)
- Don’t use know for first encounters. Say “meet” instead.
- Be careful with familiar with — it implies some prior experience, not complete ignorance.
Which sentence is incorrect?
I know Sarah yesterday.
“I know Sarah yesterday” is incorrect because “know” represents ongoing knowledge, not a past event. The correct verb for a past encounter is “met.”
Cultural Notes
In English-speaking cultures, it’s common to say “Nice to meet you” when meeting someone for the first time. This phrase uses the simple present tense but refers to a specific encounter.
Summary
- Know = have knowledge or existing relationship.
- Meet = encounter for the first time.
- Be familiar with = have some experience or recognition.
Which of these is the best summary of the difference between “know,” “meet,” and “be familiar with”?
“Know” means having existing knowledge or relationships, “meet” means encountering someone for the first time, and “be familiar with” means having some prior experience or recognition.
The correct summary captures the distinct meanings: “know” (existing knowledge), “meet” (first encounter), and “be familiar with” (some prior experience).
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
