Everyone knows that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Everyone knows that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that is generally accepted as true or widely recognized by people. Example: "Everyone knows that exercise is beneficial for health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone knows that is misleading.

The New York Times

Everyone knows that story.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone knows that will not happen.

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that firm is in trouble".

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that "it's just an image".

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that waterboarding took place.

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that wealth is unequally distributed.

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that shoes complete the outfit!

WikiHow

Well, EVERYONE knows that already.

Independent

"It's 'the freshy fresh.' Everyone knows that".

The New York Times

From here it is possible to express that everyone knows that everyone knows that everyone knows, that….

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Everyone knows that" to introduce a point that doesn't require extensive explanation or justification, streamlining your writing and assuming a shared understanding with the reader. However, be mindful not to overuse it, as it can sound condescending or dismissive if the 'known' fact is actually debatable.

Common error

Avoid using "Everyone knows that" when introducing a concept that may not be familiar to your target audience. Always consider your reader's background and provide context where necessary to avoid alienating or confusing them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Everyone knows that" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a statement assumed to be common knowledge. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in asserting shared understanding before presenting further information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Everyone knows that" is a versatile introductory phrase, useful for establishing common ground and streamlining communication. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and very common. While effective in news, media, and general discourse, it is best to use it cautiously in more formal settings. The phrase serves to indicate something is widely understood. When using the phrase, ensure that what follows is genuinely common knowledge to avoid alienating readers. If uncertain, consider rephrasing with alternatives like "It is common knowledge that" or "It's widely known that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is common knowledge that

Replaces the personal pronoun with an impersonal construction, emphasizing the widespread nature of the knowledge.

It's widely known that

Emphasizes the breadth of awareness regarding the stated fact or situation.

Everybody is aware that

Highlights the state of being informed or conscious among the population.

It goes without saying that

Suggests the fact is so obvious that it need not be explicitly stated.

It's a given that

Indicates the information is accepted as a basic premise or assumption.

The consensus is that

Implies that most people agree or believe a certain thing.

It's no secret that

Acknowledges the information is public and generally understood, despite potential efforts to conceal it.

People are generally aware that

Highlights the general public's understanding of a fact.

It's understood by all that

Emphasizes universal agreement or comprehension.

The prevailing wisdom suggests that

Indicates that conventional thought holds a particular belief to be true.

FAQs

How can I use "Everyone knows that" in a sentence?

Use "Everyone knows that" to introduce a statement that is commonly accepted or widely understood. For instance, "Everyone knows that exercise is important for maintaining good health."

What are some alternatives to "Everyone knows that"?

Alternatives include "It is common knowledge that", "It's widely known that", or "It goes without saying that". You can find more options "here".

Is it okay to use "Everyone knows that" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "Everyone knows that" can sometimes sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "It is widely recognized that" or "It is a well-established fact that".

What's the difference between "Everyone knows that" and "Some people know that"?

"Everyone knows that" implies universal awareness or agreement on a particular point. "Some people know that", on the other hand, indicates that the knowledge is not widespread or universally accepted.