commonly known as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'commonly known as' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to inform the readers that something is known by another name than what was just mentioned. For example, "The country of Ghana, commonly known as the Gold Coast, has a rich history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are commonly known as twintails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

…bloodred, are commonly known as bloodworms.

Britannica

…is commonly known as the free atmosphere.

Britannica

This action is commonly known as electropneumatic.

Britannica

The practice is commonly known as astroturfing.

The Guardian - Business

(commonly known as St. John's wort).

Discovery and Development of Neuroprotective Agents from Natural Products

This is commonly known as "standalone" operation.

Practical Handbook of Photovoltaics Fundamentals and Applications

This is what's commonly known as leading.

The New York Times

Such people were once more commonly known as tax protesters.

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commonly known as" to clarify unfamiliar terms or concepts by providing a more recognizable alternative for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "commonly known as" when the alternative name is already widely understood by your target audience. This can make your writing sound condescending or unnecessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commonly known as" functions as an appositive phrase introducer. It serves to provide an alternative, often more familiar, name or description for a preceding noun or noun phrase. Ludwig provides multiple examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commonly known as" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce a more familiar or accessible term for something that might be less well-known. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly usable in written English to clarify terms for a broader audience. With numerous examples from sources like The New York Times, BBC, and Britannica, it's evident that this phrase is very common across various fields including news, science, and academia. When writing, remember to use "commonly known as" to bridge understanding, but avoid overuse in situations where the alternative name is already widely understood. Alternatives like "also known as" or "otherwise known as" can provide subtle variations in emphasis. This phrase is a neutral register expression and is suitable for professional and academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

also known as

This alternative is shorter and more direct, omitting the emphasis on common knowledge.

otherwise known as

This alternative adds a slight emphasis on the difference between the formal and informal name.

familiarly known as

This alternative emphasizes the informal and personal nature of the alternative name.

popularly known as

This alternative suggests widespread recognition among the general public.

generally known as

This alternative implies a broad understanding across different groups or fields.

widely recognized as

This alternative highlights the broad acceptance and acknowledgement of a specific term.

termed as

This alternative is more concise and suitable for formal contexts, lacking the emphasis on common knowledge.

referred to as

This alternative is a general term for naming and may lack the implication of widespread knowledge.

identified as

This alternative focuses on the act of identifying rather than the prevalence of the name.

designated as

This alternative indicates a formal or official naming convention.

FAQs

How to use "commonly known as" in a sentence?

Use "commonly known as" to introduce a more familiar or widely recognized term or name following a less well-known one. For example, "Glyphosate, "commonly known as Roundup", is toxic".

What can I say instead of "commonly known as"?

You can use alternatives like "also known as", "otherwise known as", or "popularly known as" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "commonly known as" or "widely known as"?

Both "commonly known as" and "widely known as" are correct, but "commonly known as" implies a more informal or colloquial understanding, while "widely known as" suggests broader, perhaps more formal, recognition.

What's the difference between "commonly known as" and "referred to as"?

"Commonly known as" emphasizes that the name is generally used or recognized, while "referred to as" is a more neutral way of indicating an alternative name without implying how widespread its usage is.