Know vs Know Of: Common English Mistakes to Avoid

Some English mistakes are very small, but they can completely change the meaning of your sentence, sometimes in a funny way. In this short video, you will learn how to fix two common mistakes. The first one is know versus know of. If you say I know Taylor Swift, native speakers will think you have actually met her and know her personally. If you have only heard about her, the correct phrase is I know of Taylor Swift. Use know for people you have met and know of for famous people or people you have only heard about. The second mistake is I like dog. When you use dog without an article or plural, it can sound like you are talking about dog meat. To talk about the animal in general, use the plural: I like dogs. This rule works for many animals and things. For example, I like cats, I love books and I hate spiders. These small corrections will make your English sound more natural and help you avoid confusing or embarrassing situations. Watch the video, notice the reactions and repeat the correct sentences. Next time you talk about celebrities or animals, you will use the right words with confidence.