everyone knows that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'everyone knows that' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a statement that the majority of people are aware of, such as "Everyone knows that carbon dioxide contributes to global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Everyone knows that is misleading.

The New York Times

Well, EVERYONE knows that already.

Independent

Everyone knows that story.

The Guardian - Sport

Everyone knows that will not happen.

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that firm is in trouble".

The New Yorker

"It's 'the freshy fresh.' Everyone knows that".

The New York Times

Everyone knows that "it's just an image".

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that waterboarding took place.

The New Yorker

Everyone knows that wealth is unequally distributed.

The New Yorker

From here it is possible to express that everyone knows that everyone knows that everyone knows, that….

SEP

Oh, everyone knows that story.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "everyone knows that", be mindful of your audience. What's commonly known in one context may be unfamiliar in another. Avoid using it to patronize or dismiss alternative perspectives.

Common error

Avoid using "everyone knows that" to introduce statements that are actually opinions or require evidence. This can weaken your argument and alienate readers who don't share your assumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "everyone knows that" functions as an introductory clause or discourse marker. It sets the stage for a statement that the speaker assumes is already widely accepted or understood by the audience. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "everyone knows that" is a common introductory phrase used to indicate a statement that the speaker believes is widely known and accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news and media, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring the statement genuinely reflects common knowledge and avoiding overgeneralization. Alternatives like "it is common knowledge that" can add formality, while softer phrases may be more appropriate for less assertive claims. Remember to consider your audience when using "everyone knows that", as what is considered common knowledge can vary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as everyone knows

This is a slightly more concise version of the original phrase, maintaining a similar level of formality.

it is common knowledge that

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the widespread awareness of a particular fact or idea.

it's widely known that

This phrase highlights that something is known by many people.

everybody is aware that

This focuses on the collective awareness of something.

it goes without saying that

This suggests that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated.

it's a given that

This implies that something is a fundamental assumption.

it's understood that

This suggests a shared understanding or agreement.

it's no secret that

This indicates that something is publicly known, even if it might not be explicitly stated.

the fact is

While it doesn't explicitly imply widespread knowledge, it introduces a statement as a well-known truth.

surely you know that

This implies a question of why someone doesn't know something that's considered obvious.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "everyone knows that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it is common knowledge that" or "it's widely known that". These alternatives add a level of sophistication suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "everyone knows that"?

While common, "everyone knows that" can be presumptuous. Reserve it for facts genuinely considered common knowledge within your target audience. If there's any doubt, provide evidence or rephrase to avoid alienating readers.

What's a less assertive way to express something that is generally known?

Instead of "everyone knows that", try softening the claim with phrases like "it is generally understood that" or "it's often said that". These options acknowledge common awareness without being overly forceful.

Can I use "everybody knows that" interchangeably with "everyone knows that"?

Yes, "everybody knows that" is generally interchangeable with "everyone knows that". Both phrases convey the same meaning: something is widely known or accepted. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.