It is common knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It is common knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to information that is widely accepted and known by a large number of people. Example: "It is common knowledge that exercise is beneficial for overall health and well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is common knowledge that these companies burn cash and need more.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that children, especially at early ages, learn by modeling other children.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that security agencies monitor telephones, and yet, terrorists still use them.

The Guardian

It is common knowledge that illicit drug use in the Russian Federation has reached critical proportions.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that he does not do well once he is sick.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that the long-term negative effects can be life-threatening.

Independent

It is common knowledge that the Academy Awards are watched by a billion people around the world.

The New Yorker

It is common knowledge that shortly after coming to power, Fidel Castro began to implement draconian policies.

The New York Times

"It is common knowledge that the ministry is responsible for generating maximum profits while supervising itself," Mr. Zhang said.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge among locals that men detained at Altarbiyia go missing, and the checkpoint is known in Homs as the 'human slaughterhouse'.

The Guardian

It is common knowledge that, in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, South Sudan is backing rebels who once fought for southern independence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, ensure that the information you're presenting truly is widely known to your target audience to avoid alienating or confusing readers.

Common error

Avoid using "It is common knowledge" to introduce information that is only known within a specific field or group. Overusing this phrase can make your writing seem condescending or out of touch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is common knowledge" functions as a discourse marker, indicating that the information being presented is assumed to be already known or widely accepted by the audience. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It is common knowledge" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information presumed to be widely known. Grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse fields—science, news, and formal communications—it serves to establish common ground with the audience. While the phrase is generally safe to use, remember not to overestimate people's awareness. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It's widely known

Emphasizes the breadth of awareness, focusing on how broadly information has spread.

Everyone knows

Highlights the universality of the knowledge, suggesting almost all people are aware.

It's generally understood

Focuses on comprehension and acceptance, rather than just awareness.

It's a well-known fact

Presents the information as an established and indisputable truth.

It's common understanding

Highlights a mutual agreement or interpretation among people.

It's public knowledge

Suggests the information is accessible to anyone who seeks it out.

It's no secret

Implies the information is not being actively concealed and is easily discoverable.

It's an open secret

Indicates something is widely suspected or known, even if not officially acknowledged.

It's a given

Presents the information as a basic assumption or premise, requiring no further proof.

Everybody is aware

Stresses the widespread consciousness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "It is common knowledge" in a sentence?

"It is common knowledge" is typically used to introduce a statement that is widely accepted or understood. For example, "It is common knowledge that exercise is beneficial for your health."

What are some alternatives to "It is common knowledge"?

Alternatives include phrases like "It's widely known", "everyone knows", or "It's generally understood", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "It is common knowledge"?

Use "It is common knowledge" when introducing information that is genuinely well-known and accepted by your target audience. Be cautious about assuming knowledge that may not be universally shared.

Is "It is common knowledge that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "It is common knowledge that" is grammatically correct. It functions as an introductory phrase followed by a clause that expresses the widely known information.