everyone knew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "everyone knew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular piece of information or fact was widely recognized or understood by a group of people. Example: "In the small town, everyone knew that the old mansion was haunted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Everyone knew.

The New York Times

Everyone knew it happened".

The New York Times

"Everyone knew his name".

The New York Times

Everyone knew English.

The New Yorker

Everyone knew everyone.

The New York Times - Food

"Everyone knew," she confessed.

The New York Times

Everyone knew of Dior.

The Economist

Everyone knew everyone else.

The New Yorker

"Everyone knew about him.

The New York Times

"Everyone knew that".

The New York Times

Everyone knew the stakes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "everyone knew" to convey a sense of shared understanding or common knowledge, but consider whether a more specific phrase might be more appropriate for your context. For example, if you want to highlight that the information was officially revealed, "it was publicly announced" might be a better choice.

Common error

Avoid using "everyone knew" if you only have evidence that a limited group of people were aware. Instead, use a more specific quantifier like "many people knew" or "those involved knew".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everyone knew" functions as a statement of shared knowledge or awareness within a particular group or context. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness, showcasing its common presence in varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "everyone knew" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey widespread knowledge or awareness. Ludwig confirms its validity and reveals its prominence in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to ensure the scope of knowledge aligns with the context. Consider alternatives like "everybody was aware" or "it was common knowledge" for nuanced expressions. When crafting your content, keep in mind it's recommended to avoid exaggeration in terms of how many people effectively knew the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

everybody was aware

Emphasizes awareness rather than simply knowing.

it was common knowledge

Highlights the information's public nature.

all were cognizant

A more formal way of saying everyone was aware.

it was generally understood

Focuses on understanding rather than explicit knowledge.

the word was out

Implies the information had been disseminated.

it was no secret

Highlights the lack of confidentiality surrounding the information.

the truth was out

Emphasizes the exposure of an underlying truth.

it was an open secret

Implies the information was known but not openly discussed.

people were in the know

Focuses on the idea that everyone had the same knowledge

it was public knowledge

Emphasizes that the information was accessible to all.

FAQs

How can I use "everyone knew" in a sentence?

Use "everyone knew" to indicate that a piece of information was widely understood or recognized. For example, "Everyone knew the risks involved, but they proceeded anyway."

What can I say instead of "everyone knew"?

You can use alternatives like "everybody was aware", "it was common knowledge", or "it was generally understood depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "everyone knew" formal or informal?

"Everyone knew" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated alternative like "all were cognizant".

Which is correct, "everyone knew" or "everybody knew"?

Both "everyone knew" and "everybody knew" are grammatically correct and have the same meaning. The choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference.