It is common knowledge that

USAGE SUMMARY

"It is common knowledge that" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a well-known fact or piece of information. For example, "It is common knowledge that the Earth is round."

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

The Guardian

It is common knowledge that in such cases the patient must be diagnosed in a timely manner and put under the care of competent physicians.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It is common knowledge that" to introduce facts widely accepted and understood by your target audience. This sets a baseline understanding before delving into more specific details or arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "It is common knowledge that" to state opinions or assumptions. This phrase should introduce established facts, not subjective viewpoints. Overusing this phrase can also make your writing sound repetitive and condescending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It is common knowledge that" functions as an introductory phrase. It sets the stage for presenting information presumed to be widely known and accepted, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It is common knowledge that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce widely accepted facts or concepts across various domains, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news, scientific, and business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the information is genuinely well-known to your audience to avoid alienating or misleading them. While grammatically sound and widely used, avoid overuse to maintain a professional and engaging tone in your writing. Alternatives such as "It is widely known that" or "Everybody knows that" can provide stylistic variation. Remember, the key is to use the phrase judiciously to enhance clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It is widely known that

Replaces "common knowledge" with "widely known", emphasizing the extent of awareness.

It's a well-known fact that

Emphasizes the factual nature of the information being presented.

Everybody knows that

Uses a more direct and informal tone to express general awareness.

It is generally accepted that

Focuses on the acceptance of the information by a majority.

As everyone knows

Directly addresses the audience, assuming their awareness of the information.

It's understood that

Highlights the implied or assumed understanding of the information.

It's no secret that

Indicates the information is not hidden or confidential.

It is an open secret that

Suggests the information is known despite being potentially sensitive or concealed.

It goes without saying that

Implies the information is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated.

The word on the street is that

Suggests the information is circulating informally among people.

FAQs

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

You can use "It is common knowledge that" to introduce a fact widely accepted and understood. For instance, "It is common knowledge that exercise is beneficial for health."

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

Alternatives include "it is widely known that", "everybody knows that", or "it's a well-known fact that".

Is it appropriate to use "It is common knowledge that" in formal writing?

Yes, "It is common knowledge that" can be used in formal writing when introducing established facts. However, avoid overuse to maintain a professional tone.

When should I avoid using "It is common knowledge that"?

Avoid using "It is common knowledge that" when presenting opinions, assumptions, or information that is not universally accepted. It's better to provide evidence or context in such cases.