As you know

USAGE SUMMARY

"As you know" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in order to remind the reader of something they already know or to assume they have certain knowledge. For example, "As you know, Paris is the capital of France."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or being quite as, you know, condescending.

The Guardian - Film

As you know, motivation can be elusive.

The New Yorker

As you know, I have not.

The New Yorker

As you know I'm ambivalent about him.

The New York Times

As you know, I work in Oregon.

The New York Times

As you know, it disappeared for a while.

The New Yorker

As you know Andy, this is a complex issue indeed.

The New York Times

"As you know, we ourselves don't have the means".

The New York Times

As you know he never takes responsibility for difficult decisions.

The Economist

"As you know, we don't do things easy".

The New York Times - Sports

As you know, it contains some very memorable dancing!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As you know" to smoothly introduce information that the reader is likely already familiar with, creating a sense of shared understanding and connection.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "As you know". Overuse can make your writing sound condescending or repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As you know" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an adverbial phrase. It serves to signal shared knowledge between the speaker and the audience, establishing common ground. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As you know" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that serves to remind the audience of shared knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts, suitable for both professional and informal settings, but avoid overusing it to prevent sounding repetitive or condescending. Consider alternatives like "as you are aware" or "you already know" for variations in formality. When using "As you know", ensure your audience is indeed familiar with the information to avoid confusion or miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As you are aware

Slightly more formal than "As you know", emphasizing the listener's awareness.

You already know

A more direct and less polite way of stating shared knowledge.

It is already known that

More formal and emphasizes the established nature of the information.

As you might recall

Suggests the listener may have forgotten something.

You're familiar with

Implies the listener has some prior experience or understanding.

I'm sure you're aware

Assumes the listener's knowledge, potentially adding a touch of politeness.

No doubt you know

Expresses a strong assumption about the listener's knowledge.

As I'm sure you're aware

Combines the speaker's certainty with an acknowledgement of the listener's likely knowledge.

As you must know

Suggests that the listener should definitely be aware of the information.

For those of you who know

Addresses a group, acknowledging that not everyone may be familiar with the information.

FAQs

How can I use "As you know" in a sentence?

You can use "As you know" to introduce information that you believe your audience is already aware of. For instance, "As you know, the deadline is approaching quickly."

What are some alternatives to "As you know"?

Alternatives include "as you are aware", "you already know", or "it is already known that" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "As you know" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using more formal alternatives like "as you are aware" might be preferable in highly formal contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

When should I avoid using "As you know"?

Avoid using "As you know" if you are unsure whether your audience possesses the information you are about to present, or if the information is complex and requires detailed explanation. It is best not to use it if it can come off as patronizing or condescending.