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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are well-known

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are well-known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is widely recognized or familiar to many people. Example: "The theories of Albert Einstein are well-known in the field of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The next 14 years are well-known.

News & Media

Independent

Some of the reasons are well-known.

News & Media

The New York Times

The statistics are well-known.

News & Media

The Guardian

Turtles are well-known reservoirs for salmonella.

News & Media

The New York Times

Its problems are well-known.

Science

SEP

The facts are well-known.

News & Media

Huffington Post
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Many examples are well known.

News & Media

The Economist

Suzuki's accomplishments are well known.

These tragedies are well known.

News & Media

Independent

The candidates are well known.

News & Media

The New York Times

The issues are well known.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are well-known" to indicate that information or concepts are generally familiar to your audience, establishing a common ground for further discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "are well-known" when the information is actually specialized or not widely disseminated. Overusing this phrase can sound presumptive and alienate readers who are not familiar with the topic.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are well-known" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to modify a noun, indicating that the noun is widely recognized or familiar. It often appears before a subject to introduce common knowledge, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are well-known" functions as an adjective phrase used to describe something that is widely recognized or familiar. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. To maintain effective communication, avoid overusing the phrase or applying it to niche topics. For variety, consider alternatives like "are widely recognized" or "are commonly known". Being mindful of these nuances ensures clarity and prevents potential audience alienation.

FAQs

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

You can use "are well-known" to describe facts, figures, or concepts that are commonly understood or recognized. For example, "The risks of smoking are well-known" or "The benefits of exercise "are widely recognized"".

What are some alternatives to "are well-known"?

Alternatives include "are widely recognized", "are commonly known", or "are generally accepted". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are well-known"?

Use "are well-known" when referring to information that is generally acknowledged and understood by a broad audience. Avoid using it when discussing niche or specialized topics that may not be familiar to everyone.

Is it redundant to say "are well-known to everyone"?

Yes, saying "are well-known to everyone" is generally redundant, as "are well-known" already implies a wide level of familiarity. Consider using simply "are well-known" or rephrasing to emphasize the extent of knowledge, such as "are universally acknowledged".

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Authority and reliability

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: