everybody knows that

USAGE SUMMARY

'everybody knows that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that people widely believe to be true, such as an old saying or folklore. For example: "Everybody knows that the early bird catches the worm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everybody knows that is greed and everybody knows that that greed is destroying the United States of America".

The Guardian

Everybody knows that's a big lie!

The Guardian - Opinion

"Everybody knows that's his first choice".

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody knows that's the way tech goes.

The New York Times - Tech

Everybody knows that's Japan, come on!

BBC

But everybody knows that's exactly what is happening.

Forbes

"Everybody knows that name.

Los Angeles Times

CC: Everybody knows that!

Huffington Post

"Everybody knows that".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Everybody knew that was the plan.

The Guardian

"Everybody knew that was a lie," Durham said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "everybody knows that", consider if the statement is truly universal or if it reflects a specific group's belief. If the latter, qualify it (e.g., 'among scientists').

Common error

Avoid using "everybody knows that" for niche topics or specialized knowledge, as it can alienate readers unfamiliar with the subject. Provide context or explanation instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everybody knows that" functions as a declarative statement introducer. It sets the stage for presenting information assumed to be common knowledge. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase commonly prefaces statements across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "everybody knows that" is a very common phrase used to introduce statements assumed to be widely accepted as true. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While it's suitable for various contexts, remember that what constitutes 'common knowledge' can vary, so use the phrase judiciously. Consider alternatives like "it is common knowledge that" or "it's widely known that" for more formal settings. Be mindful of overgeneralization; always ensure that the statement truly reflects a shared understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is common knowledge that

This alternative is a more formal way to express that something is widely known.

it's widely known that

This alternative is slightly more concise and emphasizes the breadth of the knowledge.

everyone is aware that

This emphasizes awareness rather than simply knowing, suggesting a conscious understanding.

it's no secret that

This suggests the information is not hidden and easily accessible.

it's a well-known fact that

This alternative presents the information as a confirmed and established truth.

it goes without saying that

This implies the information is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated.

it is understood that

This suggests an agreement or implicit understanding among people.

the word is that

This phrase indicates that something is generally rumored or reported to be true.

most people know that

This is a less emphatic version, acknowledging that not absolutely everyone might know.

it's generally accepted that

This suggests that the information is a common belief or assumption.

FAQs

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

You can use "everybody knows that" to introduce a statement that is widely accepted as true. For example, "Everybody knows that the sun rises in the east".

What are some alternatives to saying "everybody knows that"?

Alternatives include "it is common knowledge that", "it's widely known that", or "it's no secret that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to use "everybody knows that"?

While "everybody knows that" suggests universal knowledge, it's important to consider whether the statement truly applies to everyone or if it's a generalization. Always verify the validity of the statement.

What's the difference between "everybody knows that" and "most people know that"?

"Everybody knows that" implies a higher degree of certainty and widespread understanding, while "most people know that" acknowledges that some individuals may not be aware of the information.