commonly known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commonly known" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote something which is generally known or accepted by a majority of people. For example: The theory that the world is round is commonly known.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Manshu's religiosity became commonly known.

The New Yorker

An onion is a commonly known bulb.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are commonly known as twintails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such people were once more commonly known as tax protesters.

The New York Times

"It was not commonly known that you could control risks".

The New York Times

Mr. Qurei is commonly known as Abu Ala.

The New York Times

"That is what is commonly known as measures of retaliation".

The New York Times

Mr. Baldwin's musical side is not commonly known in Hollywood.

The New York Times

It's commonly known, but its not commonly used anymore.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is most commonly known as the Trickster.

The New Yorker

This time is commonly known as the night before finals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commonly known", ensure that the information you're referring to is genuinely well-known by your target audience. Overusing it can make your writing sound condescending or assume too much prior knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "commonly known" when referring to specialized or technical information that might only be familiar to experts in a specific field. Instead, provide context or a brief explanation to ensure clarity for a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly known" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating that the information or concept being discussed is widely understood or accepted. As Ludwig AI indicates, it signals shared knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commonly known" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to indicate that a piece of information is widely understood or accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. As a neutral term, it bridges the gap between the writer and the reader by presuming a shared understanding, though care should be taken to ensure the information is genuinely "commonly known" to the intended audience. Alternatives such as "widely recognized" or "generally accepted" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis. Its high frequency across news, media, and scientific sources underscores its role in conveying established knowledge efficiently.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely recognized

This alternative emphasizes the broad acceptance and acknowledgement of the information.

generally accepted

This phrase focuses on the consensus surrounding a particular idea or fact.

universally acknowledged

This alternative suggests that nearly everyone is aware of and agrees with the information.

well-established

This phrase indicates that the information has been known for a long time and is firmly accepted.

publicly known

This option highlights the open and accessible nature of the information.

a matter of common knowledge

This idiom suggests that the information is so basic that it is known by almost everyone.

in the public domain

This phrase refers to information that is freely available to everyone and not subject to copyright.

open secret

Implies information is technically not secret, but may not be officially acknowledged.

household name

This phrase refers more to someone or something that has become famous.

everyone knows

This is a more informal way of saying that something is widely known.

FAQs

How can I use "commonly known" in a sentence?

You can use "commonly known" to introduce a fact or concept that is widely understood, such as: "It is "commonly known" that the Earth revolves around the Sun."

What are some alternatives to "commonly known"?

Some alternatives to "commonly known" include "widely recognized", "generally accepted", or "universally acknowledged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "commonly known fact"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "commonly known fact" can be slightly redundant, as the word "fact" already implies something that is known to be true. Using just ""commonly known"" is usually sufficient.

When is it appropriate to use "commonly known" in academic writing?

In academic writing, use "commonly known" sparingly. Reserve it for information that is truly general knowledge and does not require citation. For more specific or nuanced information, always provide a proper citation to support your claims.