Cool MateDo you not know vs Don't you know
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Do you not know
Top 3,000 (common)
Don't you know
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Do you not knowMost common: Don't you know
| Do you not know | Don't you know | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //duː jʊ nɒt nəʊ//🇺🇸 //du jʊ nɑt noʊ// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt jʊ nəʊ//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ju noʊ// |
| Meaning | A way to ask if someone is unaware of something. | A phrase asking if someone is aware of something. |
| Example | Do you not know that the meeting was canceled? | Don't you know it's raining outside? |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | Do you not know the answer, Do you not know her name, Do you not know what happened | Don't you know?, Don't you know that?, Don't you know what?, Do you know? |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'do' at the beginning., Misplacing 'not' for more emphasis, making it sound awkward., Using in contexts where a simpler question would suffice. | Using it in formal contexts., Omitting 'you' and saying just 'Don't know?', Confusing with 'Do you know?' |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase when seeking clarification. It can be used both formally and informally, but can sound confrontational if overused. | Used in casual conversation to express surprise that someone does not know something. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Do you not know vs Don't you know
What's the difference between Do you not know and Don't you know?
Do you not know: A way to ask if someone is unaware of something. Don't you know: A phrase asking if someone is aware of something.
Which is more formal: Do you not know and Don't you know?
Do you not know is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Do you not know and Don't you know?
Don't you know is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Do you not know: Do you not know that the meeting was canceled? Don't you know: Don't you know it's raining outside?
Can I use Do you not know and Don't you know interchangeably?
Not always. Do you not know and Don't you know are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.