as you probably know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as you probably know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce information that the writer assumes the reader is already familiar with. Example: "As you probably know, our company has been recognized for its innovative solutions in the tech industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Organic vegetables, as you probably know, may come from China).

The New York Times - Magazine

And, as you probably know, Stanford admissions are quite competitive.

Stanford University

As you probably know, I was elected". "Not at all.

The Guardian

"He's not a Democrat, as you probably know".

The New York Times - Magazine

But we work very hard, as you probably know.

The Guardian

Literally, as you probably know, it translates as "our thing".

The New York Times - Arts

JEFFREY FRANK: As you probably know, party "low points" don't last all that long.

The New Yorker

As you probably know Garbo has blue blood in her ancestry, far back.

The New Yorker

As you probably know, I am not exactly an evolutionary economist.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As you probably know, or you're aware of, that we are constantly moving your eye.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

First and foremost, as you probably know, some colleges are more expensive than others.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. If there's a reasonable chance they don't know the information, it's better to offer a brief explanation rather than relying on this phrase.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "as you probably know". Overuse can become repetitive and annoying for the reader. Vary your sentence structure and approach to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as you probably know" functions as a discourse marker, signaling to the audience that the speaker or writer believes they already possess the information being presented. It serves to acknowledge the audience's presumed knowledge and maintain a conversational tone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as you probably know" is a versatile discourse marker used to introduce information that you believe your audience already knows. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English. It functions to establish common ground and soften the tone of the communication. While suitable for various contexts, it's particularly frequent in news and media and academic settings. Avoid overuse to maintain engagement, and consider your audience's actual knowledge before employing it. Alternatives like "as you may already be aware" and "you're likely aware" offer subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as you're likely aware

Similar in meaning, but uses "likely" instead of "probably".

you're probably already aware

Reorders the sentence for a slightly different emphasis.

as you may already be aware

Emphasizes prior awareness more directly.

as i'm sure you know

Expresses the speaker's confidence in the listener's knowledge.

no doubt you know

Implies a strong certainty about the listener's knowledge.

i'm sure you're aware

Shifts the focus to the speaker's certainty of the listener's awareness.

as you might expect

Focuses on anticipated outcomes rather than assumed knowledge.

presumably, you already know

Adds a touch of formality and presumption.

it's likely you're aware

Uses an impersonal construction to convey the likelihood of awareness.

you've likely heard

Implies the information has been circulated and the listener may know.

FAQs

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

Begin with "as you probably know", then follow with the information you assume your audience is already aware of. For example: "As you probably know, the deadline for the project is next Friday."

What can I say instead of "as you probably know"?

You can use alternatives like "as you may already be aware", "you're likely aware", or "I'm sure you're aware depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as you probably know"?

Use this phrase when you believe your audience is already familiar with the information you're about to share. It's a way to acknowledge their existing knowledge and avoid sounding patronizing.

Is "as you probably know" formal or informal?

It leans towards a neutral register, suitable for most contexts. However, in very formal settings, more direct phrasing might be preferable. The sentence is correct and usable in written English.