based on general knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "based on general knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to conclusions, opinions, or information that is derived from widely accepted facts or common understanding. Example: "The recommendations provided in this report are based on general knowledge about climate change and its impacts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I answer a Q&A page, based on general knowledge for this market.

Cornell University

The questions in the main live shows are trivia questions and are all based on general knowledge.

The Guardian - Tech

It was based on general knowledge and synonyms, and included such everyday words as "NEIF" (the clue was "A fist") and TANE (the clue being "One").

The Guardian - Books

While he forgives the weaknesses of puzzle solvers, Mr. Newman blasts puzzle makers who rely on "crosswordese and obscure words," and insists that puzzles should be "solver friendly" — based on general knowledge and pop culture, not arcane information.

The New York Times

In order to explore the relationship, a Pearson correlation coefficient was used for analysis, based on general knowledge of the species.

International Aquatic Research

The game's trivia is based on general knowledge from several fields including science, history, and geography, combined with contemporary entertainment, celebrities, and other news items; the game, as well as the series, is often described as "high culture meets pop culture".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

For this, we used 12 items based on knowledge of laboratory tasks and 12 items based on general biological knowledge.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

Other intrusions are likely based on general dietary knowledge.

Nutrition Research

Instead, ideas about immune system synergisms and trade-offs are often based on general immunological knowledge from humans, domesticated animals and other model systems (reviewed in [1], [3], [7], [11]) or rooted in life-history hypotheses (e.g. [9]).

Plosone

Therefore, time steps were selected based on general expert knowledge and comparison of literature and experimental data, if available.

BMC Systems Biology

For example, program managers identified by local health department directors for the 2013 local level survey may have been identified based on general responsiveness to emailed surveys, knowledge, or other unknown and varying factors.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "based on general knowledge", ensure that the knowledge you're referencing is indeed widely accepted and not a specialized field of study. This strengthens the credibility of your statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming your audience shares the same "general knowledge" as you. Always provide context or further explanation if there's a chance the information might not be universally understood. Otherwise, your statement may lack clarity or persuasive power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "based on general knowledge" acts as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the foundation or rationale behind an action, belief, or statement. Ludwig AI shows examples where this phrase clarifies the basis for analysis, assumptions, or decision-making.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "based on general knowledge" is a useful tool for grounding statements in commonly accepted facts. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it appears across diverse fields like science, news, and academia, signaling reliance on widely understood information. While grammatically sound and generally acceptable, it's crucial to ensure that what you consider "general knowledge" aligns with your audience's understanding. Using it effectively requires awareness of context, a commitment to verifiability, and, when necessary, supplementary explanation to prevent misunderstandings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drawing upon common understanding

This alternative emphasizes the act of using shared knowledge as a foundation.

relying on established facts

This phrase highlights the dependence on information considered to be factual and verified.

grounded in widely accepted principles

This alternative suggests a strong foundation based on universally acknowledged truths.

informed by basic awareness

This phrase emphasizes the role of fundamental understanding in shaping a perspective.

stemming from fundamental knowledge

Highlights the origin of an idea in basic, foundational information.

predicated on common sense

This alternative highlights the reliance on sound judgment and practical wisdom.

deduced from everyday experience

This phrase emphasizes that the information is obtained through ordinary and routine happenings.

founded on conventional wisdom

This phrase stresses reliance on traditional and widely-held beliefs.

in light of elementary principles

Indicates consideration of the most basic and fundamental rules.

using broadly known information

Focuses on the application of information that is widely accessible and familiar.

FAQs

How can I use "based on general knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "based on general knowledge" to introduce a statement or conclusion that relies on widely known facts or common sense. For example, "The decision was "based on general knowledge" of the company's financial status".

What are some alternatives to "based on general knowledge"?

Alternatives include phrases like "drawing upon common understanding", "relying on established facts", or "grounded in widely accepted principles", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "based on general knowledge" in formal writing?

Yes, "based on general knowledge" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when explaining the rationale behind a decision or argument that relies on commonly understood information. However, ensure the "general knowledge" is verifiable and widely accepted within the intended audience.

What's the difference between "based on general knowledge" and "based on expert opinion"?

"Based on general knowledge" refers to information that is widely known and understood by the public, while "based on expert opinion" relies on the specialized knowledge and judgment of an authority in a particular field. The former is suitable for common assumptions, while the latter is appropriate for complex or technical matters.