we don't know vs. we know not

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

So, when do you we use the special construction ‘we know not’? I just heard it in a BBC report by Duncan Kennedy about the Skripals.[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, question-response: What are you doing Saturday?[YSaerTTEW443543]

2

To me the aim of using it is similar to “Ask not what your country can do for you …”—that is for rhetoric purposes.

3

Hi Torsten,

I wouldn’t describe Kennedy’s use here as rhetorical. I imagine this was probably the end of his report and he wanted a dramatic effect as ‘we don’t know’ would sound quite lame. Is it rhetorical? I think not.

Alan

4

Hi Alan, thanks a lot for your swift response which makes perfect sense as always ;-)[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, question-response: Could we swing by my house on the way?[YSaerTTEW443543]

5

I beg to agree not with Alan. I’d say it’s for rhetoric effect. Just see this Arabic apothegm: He who knows not and knows not he knows not is a fool - shun him!

6

Hi Lawrence,

Without wishing to flog a dead horse, the point I am making is that our BBC reporter isn’t indulging in rhetoric. There are hundreds of examples in history and indeed today where rhetoric is in play in speeches, declamations and public statements but our friend, Duncan Kennedy isn’t using this device as rhetoric in his report.

Alan

7

Okay, Alan.