a matter of common knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of common knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that most people know. For example, "It is a matter of common knowledge that the Earth revolves around the Sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

THE PRESIDENT: That's a matter of common knowledge.

Yale University

In this area the danger of coercion and reprisals—economic and otherwise—is a matter of common knowledge.

Cornell University

Whereas deflagration-to-detonation transition in confined systems is a matter of common knowledge, feasibility of the transition in unconfined space is still a matter of controversy.

Combustion and Flame

The possibility of a small child choking on nearly all food items is, or should be, a matter of common knowledge to all adults.

Harvard University

Again, as is a matter of common knowledge, a prison, with its thriving trade in illegal substances, is really the last place an addict should be sent.

Independent

He was well aware that his unfaithfulness to his wife was a matter of common knowledge; if, then, there was any suspicion that she had been murdered, there would also be suspicion that he was the murderer.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

So the truth and general knowledge of these truisms is a matter of common sense.

SEP

Others are matters of common knowledge to those familiar with the ice business.

Cornell University

It's a matter of common sense.

The New York Times

"It's a matter of common courtesy.

The New York Times - Sports

In most cases, compliance is a matter of common sense.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a matter of common knowledge" when referring to information so widely known that it doesn't require detailed explanation or citation. It's best suited for contexts where the audience is expected to be generally aware of the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of common knowledge" when addressing a specialized audience or discussing niche topics, as what is common knowledge to some may be unfamiliar to others. Always consider your audience's background and expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of common knowledge" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce or refer to information that is widely known and generally accepted within a particular community or the broader public. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of common knowledge" is a phrase used to indicate that certain information is widely known and accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, the phrase is most frequently found in academic and news contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the information is indeed widely known to your target audience to avoid confusion or miscommunication. Alternatives like "general knowledge" and "publicly known" can be used for conciseness or to emphasize different aspects of the information's accessibility. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "a matter of common knowledge" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common knowledge

A shorter version of the original phrase, maintaining the core meaning.

general knowledge

Uses a more concise term to refer to information that is generally known.

common understanding

Highlights the shared comprehension of a particular subject or fact.

publicly known

Focuses on the accessibility of the information to the public.

widely known fact

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct and factual description.

well-established fact

Conveys that the information is not only known but also verified and confirmed.

universally accepted

Emphasizes the broad agreement on the truth or validity of the information.

a given

Indicates something that is assumed or accepted as true without needing proof.

open secret

Suggests that while the information might not be formally acknowledged, it is widely suspected or known.

it's no secret that

Introduces a statement that is already known by many.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of common knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of common knowledge" to introduce a fact that is widely known and accepted. For example, "It is "a matter of common knowledge" that smoking is harmful to your health."

What's a more concise way to say "a matter of common knowledge"?

Alternatives include "general knowledge" or "publicly known", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a matter of common knowledge"?

It's inappropriate when discussing specialized topics or addressing an audience that may not have the assumed background knowledge. In such cases, provide context or explanation instead of assuming it is "a matter of common knowledge".

Is "common knowledge" the same as "a matter of common knowledge"?

While similar, "common knowledge" is the state of being widely known, while "a matter of common knowledge" is a phrase used to introduce or refer to something that is considered "common knowledge". The latter is more of an introductory phrase.