generally known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally known" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is widely-known or understood by most people. For example, "It is generally known that eating a balanced diet is important for health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

That was generally known.

The New Yorker

Those people are generally known as Republicans.

The New York Times

In the UK it's generally known as "hash".

The Guardian - Arts

Trump came closer to picking Christie than is generally known.

The New Yorker

The fact that the two sets do not entirely overlap has not been generally known.

The New York Times

But the violence has been more widespread than was generally known.

The New York Times

Addicts are not generally known for their stellar common sense and great decision-making.

The Guardian - Opinion

That arrangement, papers report, is generally known by the acronym SISO - "Sign in and sod off".

The Guardian

"Secrecy is not a dirty word," said the man generally known as "C".

The New Yorker

At the time the movie came out, Mankiewicz's contribution to the film was generally known.

The New Yorker

The Scene Mainers are generally known for enduring, rather than embracing, tourism.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience. What is "generally known" to one group may be unfamiliar to another.

Common error

Avoid using "generally known" when the information might only be familiar to a specific group. Overusing this phrase can alienate readers who lack the assumed knowledge. Instead, provide context or background information to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally known" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that a piece of information is widely accepted or understood. As shown in Ludwig, it often preceeds a clause that provides specific details about the commonly known fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

34%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "generally known" is a versatile phrase used to introduce information that is widely accepted or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its frequent appearance in news, media, and scientific publications reflects its neutrality and broad applicability. When using this phrase, be mindful of your audience's knowledge base to ensure effective communication. While alternatives like "widely recognized" and "commonly understood" exist, the specific context should guide your choice to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely known

Similar to "generally known", but emphasizes the large extent of awareness.

widely recognized

Focuses on the broad recognition of something.

commonly understood

Emphasizes a shared understanding among people.

publicly acknowledged

Highlights the open acknowledgement of a fact or idea.

universally accepted

Suggests a near-complete agreement on a particular matter.

well-established

Indicates something is firmly accepted and recognized.

broadly accepted

Emphasizes widespread acceptance but allows for some dissent.

commonly believed

Focuses on what people generally hold as true.

ordinarily known

Stresses what is known in the usual course of things.

typically known

Highlights that something is known as a matter of course.

FAQs

How can I use "generally known" in a sentence?

Use "generally known" to introduce a fact or piece of information that is widely accepted or understood. For example, "It's generally known that the Earth revolves around the sun."

What are some alternatives to "generally known"?

You can use alternatives such as "widely recognized", "commonly understood", or "publicly acknowledged" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "generally known" in formal writing?

Yes, "generally known" is suitable for formal writing when referring to information that is broadly accepted. However, ensure that the information is indeed common knowledge to your target audience.

What's the difference between "generally known" and "well-known"?

"Generally known" implies that something is commonly understood, while "well-known" suggests something is famous or widely recognized. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing understanding or recognition.