also know (known)

Most errors come from mixing the verb know with the past participle known (used like an adjective). Fixes are usually a single-letter change or a short rewrite.

Quick answer

'Also know' is correct only when know is a verb (someone performs the action). When you mean 'is called' or 'is famous for', use 'also known' (adjective/past participle).

'also known' - use for names, aliases, or reputations: "The park is also known for its sculptures."
'also know' - use when someone additionally possesses knowledge: "I also know her phone number."
Never hyphenate into 'also-known'; use established compounds like 'well-known' if the phrase appears before a noun.

Core distinction - known (adjective) vs know (verb)

'Known' is a past participle that often acts like an adjective after a linking verb (is/are/was). 'Know' is the base verb meaning to have knowledge of something.

Quick test: are you describing a noun (use known) or saying someone performs the action of knowing (use know)?

Linking verb + description → use 'known'. Example: "The author is known for satire."
Active subject performing the action → use 'know'. Example: "We know the results."
Spot the phrase 'is also know' and change it to 'is also known' in nearly every case.

Hyphenation and spacing: common traps and fixes

Don't hyphenate 'also known' in normal usage. Hyphens belong to established compound adjectives before nouns (e.g., well-known).

Common spacing/spelling slips: leaving off the final -n ('also know') or inserting a hyphen ('also-known'). Fix by restoring 'known' or restructuring the sentence.

Correct: "The city, also known as Oldtown, attracts tourists."
Wrong: "also-known" - prefer "well-known" or place "also known" after the noun.
Wrong spacing: "also know as" (missing n) - correct to "also known as."

Wrong: She is an also-known figure in the movement.
Right: She is also known as a leader in the movement. / She is a well-known figure in the movement.
Wrong: This is also know as the main issue.
Right: This is also known as the main issue. / Also called the main issue.

When 'also know' is grammatically correct

Use 'also know' when the clause has a subject performing the verb know: "I also know," "They also know." Check subject-verb agreement (I know, she knows, they know).

If you intended 'is called' or 'is famous for,' switch to 'known' and add a linking verb if needed.

Correct verb use: "I also know the directions."
Agreement note: "The team also knows..." (American) vs "The team also know..." (British plural sense).
If the meaning is descriptive rather than active, change to 'known'.

Usage: I also know three methods to solve this problem.
Usage: They also know the new procedures. (verb use - OK)
Wrong: The device is also know for its battery life.
Right: The device is also known for its battery life.

Examples you can copy - workplace (3)

Use these corrections directly in professional writing.

Wrong: The product is also know for its intuitive interface.
Right: The product is also known for its intuitive interface.
Wrong: Our procedure is also know as protocol B.
Right: Our procedure is also known as Protocol B.
Wrong: The team also know how to run the audit. (intended: team members are familiar)
Right: The team also knows how to run the audit. / The team is also familiar with the audit process.

Examples you can copy - school & academic (3)

Wrong: The compound is also know as sodium chloride in older texts.
Right: The compound is also known as sodium chloride in older texts.
Wrong: She also know the theory well. (trying to say she understands the theory)
Right: She also knows the theory well. / She is also knowledgeable about the theory.
Wrong: The method is also know for producing repeatable results.
Right: The method is also known for producing repeatable results.

Try your own sentence

Read the whole sentence aloud. Context shows whether the phrase names or describes (known) or reports someone's knowledge (know).

Examples you can copy - casual speech & messages (3)

Wrong: I'm also know for bringing snacks to the meetings.
Right: I'm also known for bringing snacks to meetings.
Wrong: This place is also know as Frank's.
Right: This place is also known as Frank's. / Also called Frank's.
Wrong: You're also know to be the organizer, right?
Right: You're also known to be the organizer, right? / Aren't you the organizer, too?

Rewrite help - three dependable patterns (with examples)

If 'also known' feels stiff, swap in one of these patterns depending on tone and clarity.

Apposition (aliases): "X, also known as Y, ..." → for alternative names.
Feature/reputation: "X is also known for Y." → for characteristics or strengths.
Casual alternative: "People also call X..." or "Also called X..." → informal tone.

Rewrite:
Wrong: My startup is also know for fast delivery. →
Correct: My startup is also known for fast delivery. →
Alternative: Customers also praise our fast delivery.
Rewrite:
Wrong: The program is also know as 'GreenTrack'. →
Correct: The program is also known as 'GreenTrack'. →
Alternative: 'GreenTrack' is another name for the program.
Rewrite:
Wrong: She's also know to bring humor to class. →
Correct: She's also known for bringing humor to class. →
Alternative: She often brings humor to class.

How to fix your sentence - a 5-step checklist

1) Identify role: is 'know' acting as a verb (someone knows) or should it be 'known' (describes a noun)?
2) If descriptive, use 'known' with a linking verb: "is/are/has been known..."
3) If verbal, confirm subject-verb agreement (I know, she knows, they know).
4) Consider a rewrite: "also called", "commonly known as", "better known as".
5) For pre-noun modifiers, prefer standard hyphenated adjectives (well-known) or move 'also known' after the noun.

Usage: Problem: "The device is also know for its durability." → Descriptive? Yes → Change to "known" → "The device is also known for its durability."
Usage: Problem: "I also know the program." → Verbal? Yes → Check agreement → "I also know the program." (no change needed)

Memory trick and similar mistakes

Memory trick: If a linking verb (is/are/was) describes a noun, add an 'n' - change know → known. If someone is doing the knowing, keep know and check agreement.

Other frequent errors nearby: hyphenation/spacing slips and subject-verb mismatches.

Linking verb? Add the 'n' → known.
Watch for "also know as" (missing n) and correct to "also known as."
Mind subject-verb agreement: "the team knows" (US) vs "the team know" (UK plural sense).

Wrong: This is also know as - incorrect spacing and spelling.
Right:
Correct: "This is also known as..." or "Also called...".

FAQ

Is 'also know' ever correct?

Yes - when know is the verb and the subject performs the action: e.g., "I also know the answer." If you mean 'is called' or 'is famous for,' use 'known'.

Should I hyphenate 'also-known'?

Almost never. Use 'also known' after the noun or 'well-known' before a noun. Prefer rewrites like 'also known as' or 'also called'.

Why do I see 'the team know' in British English?

British English sometimes treats collective nouns as plural ("the team know" = members know). American English usually uses singular agreement ("the team knows"). This is separate from choosing know vs known.

Is 'also known as' the same as 'also called'?

'Also known as' is slightly more formal and common in writing; 'also called' is a concise alternative suitable for speech and casual writing.

What's the fastest way to correct 'also know' in my draft?

Ask: am I describing (use 'known') or reporting knowledge (use 'know')? If descriptive, insert a linking verb and use 'known' or swap in "also called" / "commonly known as".

Need help with a sentence?

Read the sentence aloud and apply the checklist above. If it still sounds off, use one of the rewrites provided or paste the sentence into a grammar tool for a quick check.