as we all know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we all know" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that is assumed to be common knowledge among the audience. Example: "As we all know, climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As we all know, Toye was successful.

The Guardian - Sport

"Victor is Victor, as we all know".

Independent

"Its really dominating, as we all know.

The New York Times - Sports

As we all know, the traditionalists won.

The New York Times - Arts

As we all know, happiness writes white.

The Guardian - Books

And as we all know, being a millionaire isn't cool.

The New York Times

The rest, as we all know, is history.

Independent

And as we all know, the proposal fell short.

Independent

"But as we all know, the can will never disappear.

The New York Times

And as we all know, I could go on.

Independent

It's not a perfect fix, as we all know.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "as we all know", as it can come across as condescending or patronizing if the information is not, in fact, widely known. Use it judiciously to signal common ground, not to assert authority.

Common error

Don't assume everyone possesses the same background knowledge. If you suspect some readers might be unfamiliar with the concept, briefly explain it after using "as we all know" to ensure clarity and inclusivity. Overuse of this phrase may also alienate readers who feel excluded or patronized.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "as we all know" is to serve as an introductory phrase. It's used to preface a statement that the speaker or writer assumes is already known or understood by the audience. Ludwig shows that the phrase often precedes a comma, setting up the main clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we all know" is a common introductory phrase used to signal shared knowledge between the writer and the audience. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective for establishing common ground, it's crucial to avoid overuse or assuming knowledge that the audience may not possess. Alternatives like "as everyone knows" or "it is common knowledge that" can offer subtle variations in tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as everyone knows

Replaces "we all" with "everyone", emphasizing universal knowledge rather than shared knowledge within a specific group. Similarity is high.

as is widely known

Shifts the focus to the widespread nature of the knowledge, rather than the shared understanding. More formal.

it is common knowledge that

States directly that something is common knowledge. More formal and emphatic.

everybody knows

An even more direct and informal way of indicating something is generally known. Less formal.

it goes without saying

Suggests the information is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated. Implies a stronger level of certainty.

it's well-known that

Highlights the fact that something is established knowledge. Slightly more formal.

we're all aware

Similar in meaning but focuses on the state of being informed. Emphasizes awareness rather than knowledge.

it should be noted that

Introduces something that's important to remember, not necessarily common knowledge, but worth highlighting. Different emphasis.

as you know

Addresses the audience directly, assuming they have the knowledge. Less inclusive.

it's no secret that

Indicates that information, while possibly sensitive, is not hidden. Implies something may be surprising. Different emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "as we all know" in a sentence?

Use "as we all know" to introduce information presumed to be common knowledge. For example, "As we all know, climate change is a pressing global issue".

What are some alternatives to "as we all know"?

Alternatives include "as everyone knows", "it is common knowledge that", or "it's well-known that". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "as we all know" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the audience. In highly formal writing, alternatives like "it is widely recognized that" or "it is common knowledge that" might be more suitable.

When should I avoid using "as we all know"?

Avoid using "as we all know" if you're unsure whether your audience possesses the knowledge you're referencing. If there's a chance of unfamiliarity, provide context or use a more neutral introductory phrase.