common knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

"common knowledge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is widely known and accepted as true, such as, "It is common knowledge that an apple a day keeps the doctor away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, that's common knowledge.

The New Yorker

Common knowledge e. Connections.

The New York Times

That is common knowledge.

The Economist

That's common knowledge.

Independent

But that's common knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

It was common knowledge".

The New York Times

This is common knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

It's pretty much common knowledge".

The New York Times - Health

What's common knowledge?

The Washington Post

"This is already common knowledge".

The Guardian - Tech

Government brutality was common knowledge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when determining if something qualifies as "common knowledge". What is common knowledge in one field may not be in another.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience possesses specific knowledge. What might seem obvious to you may not be to everyone. Always provide context or cite sources when in doubt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "common knowledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a state of awareness or understanding shared by a group. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "common knowledge" is a widely used and accepted term, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It refers to information that is generally known and understood by a particular group or the public at large. While grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts like News & Media and Academia, it's important to consider your audience when determining what constitutes "common knowledge" and to avoid making assumptions. Related phrases include "widely known fact" and "public knowledge". Remember to cite your sources in academic writing to ensure clarity and avoid plagiarism. Using "common knowledge" effectively enhances communication by allowing you to focus on more specific or novel points, as the basic facts are already understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely known fact

This alternative directly replaces "common knowledge" with a more descriptive phrase.

generally accepted knowledge

This phrase emphasizes the acceptance aspect of the knowledge.

public knowledge

This alternative highlights that the information is accessible to everyone.

well-known information

This phrase is a more straightforward way to express the concept.

universally acknowledged fact

This option adds emphasis on the universality and acceptance of the fact.

established truth

This phrase focuses on the truth aspect and its well-established nature.

a matter of record

This refers to something documented and readily available.

open secret

Implies that the knowledge is technically private but widely suspected or known.

basic understanding

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the knowledge.

conventional wisdom

Refers to widely held beliefs or ideas, which may or may not be accurate.

FAQs

How do you define "common knowledge" in academic writing?

"Common knowledge" refers to facts or information that are widely known and accepted as true, requiring no citation. However, it's essential to consider your audience; what's common in one field might not be in another.

When should I cite a source, even if I think it's "common knowledge"?

If there's any doubt about whether a piece of information is truly /s/widely+known+fact, it's always best to cite the source. This demonstrates academic integrity and avoids potential plagiarism.

What are some alternatives to saying "common knowledge" in writing?

You can use phrases like "widely known fact", "public knowledge", or "generally accepted knowledge" depending on the specific context.

How can I ensure that something I consider "common knowledge" is actually common?

Consider your audience's background and expertise. If you're unsure, do a quick search to see if the information is readily available from multiple sources. When in doubt, cite.