Of and about

Hi,

1. I know of two people who were imprisoned in the 90s.

2. I know about two people who were imprisoned in the 90s.

What makes the difference between 'of two people' and 'about two people' ?

Often, there is not a lot of difference, although #2 is more common.

Here are a couple of comments.

No Clive.

I have learnt the following:

3. I know him. [ It may be that I know him very well or fairly well.]

4. I know about him. [ I don't know him well. I may have heard about him or read about him in
the newspapers.]

It may be that I have learnt wrong. Please tell me.

Hi,

I'm afraid I don't understand your point. We were discussing 'I know of someone' and not 'I know someone'.

Best wishes, Clive

Hi,

Let me add these basic comments, to give you the general idea.

I know Tom Smith. I have met him.

I know of Tom Smith. I know he exists.

I know about Tom Smith. I have information about him.

Clive

Thanks Clive.
I haven't been to Canada.

1. I know about Niagara Falls.
2. I know of Niagara Falls.

Which of the above is correct for me?

[ Les Chutes du Niagara]

Hi,

1. I know about Niagara Falls. I have some information about them.
2. I know of Niagara Falls. I am aware that they exist.

Which of the above is correct for me? It depends on which of these two aspects you wish to focus on. Probably #1.

Clive

Thanks Clive again.

1. I know of two people who were imprisoned in the 90s.

2. I know about two people who were imprisoned in the 90s.

I would like to know why you need the article in the above sentences.

I met her in 90s. [ Is this wrong?]

Hi,

I met her in 90s. [ Is this wrong?] Yes.


It's a specific/definite reference. eg It was the nineties, not the eighties or the seventies. I also prefer to use the word form rather than the number. It's better style.

Clive