as you know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as you know" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a well-known fact or information which you assume the other person already knows. For example, "As you know, cats are obligate carnivores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or being quite as, you know, condescending.

The Guardian - Film

"Long as you know it".

The New Yorker

"I work all day, as you know".

The New Yorker

As you know, motivation can be elusive.

The New Yorker

We asked for money, as you know.

The New York Times

Also, as you know, Mr. Rajagolopalachari, manager".

The New Yorker

As you know, I have not.

The New Yorker

That failed, as you know.

The New York Times

MCCABE: As you know, Senator.

The Washington Post

"But as you know, talent isn't everything.

The New York Times - Sports

As you know I'm ambivalent about him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as you know" to smoothly introduce information you believe your audience already possesses, creating a sense of shared understanding and rapport.

Common error

Avoid using "as you know" excessively, as it can come across as condescending or patronizing, especially if the audience is not actually familiar with the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as you know" functions as a discourse marker, signaling shared knowledge between the speaker and the audience. It is used to remind the listener of something already known, which is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as you know" is a common and grammatically sound discourse marker used to signal shared knowledge between a speaker and their audience. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to remind the listener of something already known, building rapport and establishing common ground. While highly prevalent in news and media, it also finds use in academia and business contexts, maintaining a neutral register. However, it's crucial to wield "as you know" judiciously, as overuse can risk sounding condescending. Related phrases like "as you are aware" or "as you may recall" offer stylistic alternatives. Remember, the goal is to connect with your audience, not alienate them with presumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as you are aware

Substitutes "know" with "are aware", maintaining a similar level of formality.

as i'm sure you're aware

More polite and confirms the listener's awareness.

you already know

Reorders the phrase for a slightly different emphasis.

as you may recall

Emphasizes that the information should be remembered from the past.

as we all know

Includes the speaker and listener in a shared understanding.

i'm sure you're aware

Adds a personal assurance of the listener's knowledge.

no doubt you know

Expresses confidence in the listener's familiarity with the topic.

you're probably familiar with

Acknowledges the likelihood of the listener's prior knowledge.

as you might expect

Implies that something is not only known but also predictable.

it's common knowledge that

Indicates that the information is widely known by everyone.

FAQs

How can I use "as you know" in a sentence?

Use "as you know" to refer to information that the listener or reader is already expected to be aware of. For example, "As you know, the meeting has been postponed."

What phrases are similar to "as you know"?

Similar phrases include "as you are aware", "as you may recall", or "as you might expect". These alternatives can add variety to your writing.

Is it acceptable to use "as you know" in formal writing?

Yes, "as you know" is acceptable in formal writing, but it should be used judiciously. Overuse can make your writing sound presumptuous. Consider alternatives like "as I'm sure you're aware" for a more polite tone.

When should I avoid using "as you know"?

Avoid using "as you know" when you are unsure if the audience actually possesses the information, or when introducing complex or nuanced topics. In such cases, it's better to provide the information directly without assuming prior knowledge.