Distinguishing Between No & Know

Key Difference – No vs Know

No and know are homophones, meaning they have different meanings and spellings but share the same pronunciation. No is the opposite of yes and can function as a determiner, adverb, noun, and exclamation. On the other hand, know is a verb that means to have knowledge or awareness of something. This distinction between no and know is the key difference.

What Does Know Mean?

Know is always a verb with its past tense being “knew” and its past participle being “known.” To know means:

– To have knowledge:
– I know that you are going to leave town tomorrow.
– He knows this book by heart.
– They know French, English, Chinese, and Spanish.

– To be aware of:
– I know what I’m doing.
– They know something is going to happen tonight.

– To be acquainted or familiar with:
– He knows her father.
– I’d know your voice anywhere.
– I know that voice; where have I seen him before?

What Does No Mean?

No can be a determiner, adverb, exclamation, or noun, but never a verb. It is the exact opposite of “yes” and is used to negate something or provide a negative response. No is mainly used as a determiner and an exclamation.

– Determiner:
– No two women are alike.
– I’ll return in no time.
– That’s no excuse.
– No man would want to see his wife with another man. 

– Exclamation:
– Oh, no! I spilled my drink.
– ‘This is very interesting.’ ‘No, it’s not.’
– ‘Do I look fat in this dress?’ ‘No, you look gorgeous.”
– Oh, no! I forgot to call my parents.

What is the difference between No and Know?

– Verb:
– No is not a verb.
– Know is a verb.

– Grammatical Categories:
– No is used as an exclamation, determiner, noun, and adverb.
– Know is only used as a verb.

– Meaning:
– No is used to negate a sentence.
– Know means to have knowledge, to be aware or to be acquainted.