Difference between 'knowing' and 'to know'

Question

Given the sentence:It contains your new Nimbus Two Thousand, but I don’t want everybody knowing you’ve got a broomstick or they’ll all want one.What’s the difference using between ‘knowing’ and ‘to know’ in the sentence?

Moinkent · Accepted Answer

Hi eipjoo
There is no difference, you can use either version in this sentence.
I hope you are enjoying reading the Harry Potter books.
Best wishes
Mo

Eipjoo · Answer

Hi, moinkent:
I thank you for the confirmation.
I’ve already read through all the books of seven.
And I’ve been reading five times for the book one.
Still yet I have to consult dictionaries and this website teachers
I enjoy her book well. Maybe she is marvelous, for I don’t be bored for the repetition.
I wish I would be quite comfortable when I read English novels.
And my one big hope is to understand BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Archers.’
It would take at least several years, I guess.
So I put my homework for listening to myself,
and be checked by this online, recently.
I’m very happy to meet this wonderful site.
And I further enjoy reading and listening.
Thank you for your kindness as usual.
I hope see you as frequently as possible.
Possibly it would shorten my hope of understanding The Archers.
See you.

CalifJim · Answer

eipjooI don’t want everybody knowing

There are two aspects of 'know' that come into play here.

1. to find out; to come to know (for the first time). This happens in a moment.
2. to be in a state of knowing; to have knowledge. This continues through time. It doesn't happen in just a moment.

1. If you say I don't want everybody to know, it emphasizes the first aspect above.
2. When you say I don't want everybody knowing, it emphasizes the second aspect above.

Both aspects are present in both versions, however. It's only a matter of emphasis.

1. emphasizes Don't tell anybody. I don't want word of this to get out.
2. emphasizes I would not be happy with a situation in which everybody knows.

CJ

Eipjoo · Answer

Great explanation for improving my understanding. I had the misunderstanding that 1 is implying future event, 2 present. Thank you.

CalifJim · Answer

eipjooI had the misunderstanding that 1 is implying future event, 2 present.

That's not very far from the truth, however.

No one knows at the time this is said, so both 1 and 2 imply the possibility of something happening in the future to cause everybody to know.

CJ

Difference between 'knowing' and 'to know'

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions