You'll never know vs you never know

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hatgray

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Is there a difference between the two?

You never know
You'll never know

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emsr2d2

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They're both possible (and they'd be correct if there were a full stop at the end of each one). Context would dictate which one is appropriate. Can you give us a possible dialogue in which you might use them?
 

hatgray

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You'll / You never know what can happen in a day.

You'll / You never know what the future holds.

You'll / You never know what can happen tomorrow.


I feel that in these contexts, you is appropriate.

"You'll never know." - I will not know, ever.
"You never know." - Maybe. (There is a chance)

Am I right?

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Raymott

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"You never know ..." is impersonal, the same as "One never knows".
"You'll never know" is addressed to a specific person.

Man to Lady: "I think you'd look great in that lingerie."
Lady: "You'll never know".

Yes, you right about the first three needing "You".
 

hatgray

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"You never know ..." is impersonal, the same as "One never knows".
"You'll never know" is addressed to a specific person.

Man to Lady: "I think you'd look great in that lingerie."
Lady: "You'll never know".

Yes, you right about the first three needing "You".

So is it applicable in this conversation:

Kid: I hope I can graduate next year and finish all my requirements.

Mom: You never know what will happen next year.

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emsr2d2

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So is it applicable in this conversation?

Kid: I hope I can graduate next year and finish all my requirements.
Mom: You never know what will happen next year.

Thank you.

Yes, it works there.
 

Raymott

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Yes. This still means "One never knows what will happen next year."

There's a difference in the application of "never"
"You never know what will happen tomorrow". However, when tomorrow comes, you will know. "You never know ..." means that whenever you think "What will happen tomorrow?", you will never know at the time of speaking.

"You'll never know ..." means literally that you will never find out.
 
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hatgray

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"You'll never know, she might say yes."

So I cannot use "you'll never know" in this context?

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GoesStation

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"You'll never know, she might say yes."

So I cannot use "you'll never know" in this context?
No, you can't. You could say "You'll never know unless you ask her."
 

Tdol

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"You'll never know, she might say yes."

So I cannot use "you'll never know" in this context?

I wouldn't use it because you will know if you ask her.
 
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