as we know it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we know it" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that you are referring to something in its current form, or according to what is generally accepted. For example, "The Earth, as we know it, has existed for 4.5 billion years."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As we know, it has not.

The Economist

Just not as we know it.

Independent

Television as we know it will disappear.

Princeton University

Life, but not as we know it.

Nature

Conversation as we know it would end.

The Washington Post

iTunes as we know it is over.

Harvard Business Review

This is life as we know it.

The New York Times

Or life as we know it.

The New York Times

Life as we know it has stopped.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a market as we know it".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These are incapable of supporting life-as-we-know-it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we know it" to frame a discussion about potential changes or disruptions to an established concept or system. For example, "Traditional retail, as we know it, is being reshaped by e-commerce."

Common error

Avoid using "as we know it" when it adds no significant meaning or context. For example, saying "water, as we know it, is wet" is redundant because the property of water being wet is universally known and doesn't require the qualifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we know it" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding context to a noun or concept by specifying that it is being considered in its current or commonly understood state. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as we know it" is a versatile and commonly used expression, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to contextualize a concept or entity in its current, generally accepted form, often implying a comparison to a past or future state. It is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of registers, from neutral news reporting to more formal academic discussions. As examples from Ludwig show, it is often used to introduce discussions about change, disruption, or the potential obsolescence of traditional models. By using the phrase judiciously, writers can effectively highlight the evolving nature of various aspects of life and society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its current form

Focuses on the present condition or state of something, omitting the element of common knowledge or acceptance.

as it currently exists

Highlights the existing state of something, without necessarily implying a comparison to a past state or an expected future state.

in its present state

Similar to "in its current form", emphasizing the present condition but less focused on common understanding.

as it is understood today

Emphasizes the current understanding or perception of something, particularly useful when knowledge is evolving.

according to current understanding

Highlights that the statement relies on the prevailing knowledge at this moment.

in the way we presently perceive it

Focuses on our current perception or interpretation, adding a subjective element.

as conventionally defined

Refers to the standard or accepted definition of something, suitable for formal contexts.

in common parlance

Indicates usage that is widely accepted and understood among people.

by today's standards

Implies a comparison against a specific set of criteria or expectations that are relevant today.

in its modern iteration

Highlights that something has evolved over time and is being referred to in its most recent or current version.

FAQs

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

Use "as we know it" to indicate that you are referring to the current, commonly understood, or traditional form of something. For example, "The music industry, as we know it, has been transformed by streaming services."

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

You can use alternatives such as "in its current form", "as it currently exists", or "according to current understanding" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as we know it"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is changing, evolving, or potentially disappearing in its traditional form. It's useful for setting up a contrast between a past or present state and a future possibility.

Is "as we known it" grammatically correct instead of "as we know it"?

No, "as we known it" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "as we know it". The verb "know" should be in its present tense form.