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Far as I Know

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "far as I know" means "as far as I know" - to the best of my knowledge, with some certainty but room for error. Outsiders sometimes hear it as "for as I know."

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #DialectandGrammar   #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...
This probably sounds like I'm saying 'fours I know,' but I do say it all the time. And it's common around here. 
Hillbilly Dude Says...
This probably sounds like I'm saying 'fours I know,' but I do say it all the time. And it's common around here. 

Pronunciation

[FAR az AH NO]

Meaning & Usage

- To the best of my knowledge, with some certainty (phrase)

Mae:
He still workin’ at the plant?
Earl:
Far as I know, yeah.
variations: as far as I know, for as I know, for's I know, best I know, to my knowledge, far’s I know
★ "Far as I know" carries more certainty than "far as I can tell." It’s based on knowledge, not just observation - though it still leaves a little wiggle room. ★

Origin and Etymology

From standard English "as far as I know." In Appalachian and Southern speech, the clipped form "far as I know" became the everyday version, with "for as I know" sometimes heard by outsiders.

Usage Notes

Common in Appalachian and Southern speech, though the phrase is recognized nationally. The clipped version feels natural in regional talk, while the full "as far as I know" is more standard elsewhere.

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "far as I know." Quick, with the first "as" dropped.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Is "far as I know" the same as "far as I can tell"?
No. "Far as I know" means knowledge-based certainty, while "far as I can tell" means judgment after looking or considering.
Do people outside the South use it?
Yes - but they’re more likely to keep the first "as."
Does "for as I know" mean something different?
No - that’s usually just how outsiders hear the clipped phrase.

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