also known as

USAGE SUMMARY

"also known as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an alternative name for someone or something. For example: John Smith, also known as "The Smiling Dragon," is one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also known as 20 Questions.

Independent

(Also known as a zhaliang).

The New Yorker

Also known as acalendrical anxiety.

The New York Times

It's also known as mamemiso.

The New York Times

Roma are also known as Gypsies.

The Guardian

PERRY--Laura, also known as Mickey.

The New York Times

Krupp AG, also known as Fried.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This action is also known as occlusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Airplane hijacking is also known as skyjacking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also known as qat.

The Guardian

It is also known as a Moped.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "also known as" to provide alternative names, clarify jargon, or introduce familiar terms, enhancing reader comprehension.

Common error

Do not overuse "also known as" in close proximity. If you've already established an alternative name, avoid repeating the phrase unnecessarily. Instead, use the alternative name directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "also known as" functions as an appositive phrase introducer. It sets off a word or phrase that renames or identifies a noun or noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Wiki

36%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "also known as" is a versatile phrase used to introduce an alternative name or description, enhancing clarity and providing additional context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. It is most frequently used in news, wiki, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, use "also known as" to offer alternative names or clarify jargon, ensuring your message is easily understood by your audience. Avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "alternatively called" or "otherwise known as" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

otherwise known as

Highlights that the subject is recognized by a different name besides the primary one.

also referred to as

Indicates that the subject is not only known by another name, but is actively called that name.

alternatively called

Focuses on an alternative name rather than a direct synonym, emphasizing that something can be called by a different name.

also goes by the name

Emphasizes that the subject is known by another name.

also identified as

Highlights the subject's identification using a different identifier.

another term for

Emphasizes that this is the name used to define a particular thing or concept.

by another name

A more concise way of indicating an alternate name.

also branded as

Focuses on the branding aspect, often used in marketing and commercial contexts.

also classified as

Highlights that the subject also can be classified with another name.

in other words

Introduces a rephrasing of something already stated.

FAQs

How do I use "also known as" in a sentence?

Use "also known as" to introduce an alternative name or title for a subject. For example, "Los Angeles, "also known as City of Angels", is a major cultural hub."

What are some alternatives to "also known as"?

You can use phrases like "alternatively called", "otherwise known as", or "also referred to as" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "a.k.a." instead of "also known as"?

"A.k.a." is an abbreviation for "also known as" and is generally considered more informal. Use it in casual contexts but prefer "also known as" in formal writing.

What's the difference between "also known as" and "formerly known as"?

"Also known as" introduces a current alternative name, while "formerly known as" introduces a previous name that is no longer in use. For example, Myanmar, "also known as Burma", was "formerly known as Burma".