everybody knows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everybody knows" is considered correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize the common knowledge of a certain topic. For example, "Everybody knows that the Earth is round."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everybody knows".

The New York Times

Everybody knows this.

Stanford University

Everybody knows it.

Yale University

Everybody knows that.

The Washington Post

Now, everybody knows everything.

Independent

Everybody knows everybody".

The New York Times

"Everybody knows Ramadas".

The New Yorker

Everybody knows the picture.

The New York Times

Everybody knows the story.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody knows you".

The New Yorker

Everybody knows his name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To reinforce the statement, follow "everybody knows" with a brief explanation or example to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "everybody knows" when the information may not be common knowledge to your specific audience. Always consider the reader's background and level of expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everybody knows" functions as an introductory device to signal shared knowledge or a widely accepted fact. It's used to establish common ground with the audience, as demonstrated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "everybody knows" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression intended to signal shared knowledge or agreement. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. It's most commonly found in News & Media sources and carries a neutral tone. While useful for emphasizing a point, writers should be cautious not to overestimate their audience's knowledge. Alternatives like "it's common knowledge" or "it's widely known" can provide a more formal touch when needed. As with any phrase, being mindful of context and audience is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as everyone knows

A more formal variant of "everybody knows".

it's common knowledge

Replaces "everybody knows" with a more formal phrasing.

it's widely known

Similar to "everybody knows" but emphasizes the breadth of awareness.

everyone is aware

Focuses on individual awareness rather than collective knowledge.

it's a well-known fact

Highlights the factual nature of the shared knowledge.

it goes without saying

Suggests the information is so obvious it doesn't need stating.

it's generally understood

Emphasizes a shared understanding or agreement.

people are generally aware

A longer alternative indicating general knowledge.

the word on the street is

Indicates that the knowledge is based on rumor or informal communication.

it's no secret that

Highlights that the information is public, though potentially sensitive.

FAQs

How can I use "everybody knows" in a sentence?

Use "everybody knows" to introduce information that is widely accepted or understood. For instance, "Everybody knows that getting enough sleep is important for health."

What can I say instead of "everybody knows"?

You can use alternatives like "it's common knowledge", "it's widely known", or "everyone is aware" depending on the context.

When is it inappropriate to use "everybody knows"?

It's inappropriate when the information isn't universally known or when you want to avoid sounding condescending. Consider whether your audience genuinely possesses the knowledge you're attributing to them.

Is "everyone knows" interchangeable with "everybody knows"?

Yes, "everyone knows" is generally interchangeable with "everybody knows" and carries the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.