are known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when stating that something is recognized or acknowledged by people in general or within a specific context. Example: "These facts are known to be true by experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(c) "There are known knowns.

The New Yorker

Numerous subspecies are known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are known unknowns.

The New York Times

Some facts are known.

The New Yorker

Several versions are known.

The New York Times - Arts

You are known.

The New Yorker

Two forms are known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The mechanisms are known.

The Economist

We are known.

The New York Times

CANADIANS are known for humility.

The Economist

Five radioactive isotopes are known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are known", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and the context provides enough information about who or what recognizes or acknowledges the information.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of the sentence is specific. Avoid using "are known" when it's unclear who possesses the knowledge or makes the acknowledgement. Instead, specify the group or individuals who hold the knowledge to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are known" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of knowing. Ludwig AI, the AI behind this response, confirms this with numerous examples where "are known" is used to describe facts, species, and other entities that are recognized or acknowledged.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are known" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is recognized or established. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a passive construction. Its usage spans across various domains, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific literature, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject is clear and specific, and consider alternative phrasings like "are recognized" or "are acknowledged" for subtle variations in meaning. Be mindful of maintaining clarity and specificity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are recognized

Uses a different verb with a similar passive construction, focusing on acknowledgement.

are acknowledged

Implies a formal acceptance or admission of something.

are established

Suggests that something has been proven or confirmed.

are understood

Focuses on comprehension and awareness.

are identified

Implies the act of pinpointing or naming something specifically.

are documented

Indicates that something has been recorded or written down.

are reported

Suggests that something has been communicated or announced.

are revealed

Implies the uncovering of something previously hidden.

have been discovered

Focuses on the act of finding something new.

are public knowledge

Highlights that something is widely known by the general population.

FAQs

How can I use "are known" in a sentence?

Use "are known" to indicate that certain information is generally recognized or established. For instance, "These side effects "are known" to occur in some patients".

What are some alternatives to "are known"?

You can use alternatives like "are recognized", "are acknowledged", or "are established" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "are known" or "is known"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "are known" for plural subjects (e.g., "The risks are known"), and "is known" for singular subjects (e.g., "The risk is known").

What's the difference between "are known" and "are well-known"?

"Are known" simply means something is recognized. "Are well-known" implies that something is widely recognized or famous.