Knew vs. New: Understanding the Difference

Difference Between “Knew” and “New”

History

The words “knew” and “new” both have different meanings and histories.

Knew: “Knew” is the past tense of the word “know.” The word “know” comes from Old English “cnāwan,” which means to understand or recognize.

New: “New” means something that is fresh, not old, or recently made. It comes from the Old English word “nīwe.”

How to Use Them

“Knew” is used when talking about something you understood in the past.

“New” is used when talking about something that is just made or discovered.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “knew” with a “k” because you “know” something. “New” is something “fresh” or just made.

Example Sentences for “Knew”

• Yesterday, I knew the answer to the question.
• She knew how to ride a bike when she was six.
• We knew we had to finish our homework.
• They knew the way to the park without a map.
• I knew about the party before you told me.

Example Sentences for “New”

• I got a new book for my birthday.
• He has a new pair of shoes.
• We visited a new restaurant last night.
• She bought a new car this week.
• There is a new movie coming out tomorrow.

Summary

Remember, “knew” is something you understood in the past, and it goes with “know.” “New” is when you talk about fresh or recent things. It’s easy to mix them up because they sound the same, but thinking about knowing (knew) and fresh or recent (new) will help you.