Know of vs. know about: what’s the difference?
The short answer
Know of usually means you are aware that something or someone exists, but you may not have detailed information. Know about implies having more specific information or understanding of details related to the topic or person.
What they have in common
Both know of and know about are used to express awareness or knowledge of something or someone. They convey that a person has some level of familiarity or information.
Examples
know of
- I know of a café that serves great coffee.
- She knows of him but has never met him.
- Do you know of any free parking spots nearby?
know about
- I know about the new company policy.
- Do you know about quantum mechanics?
- He knows a lot about world history.
Which one is more common?
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