given what we know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given what we know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing conclusions or decisions based on existing knowledge or information. Example: "Given what we know about the project's timeline, we should adjust our expectations for the final deliverable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At least not given what we know now.

The New York Times

Given what we know so far about these seedy enterprises, all three could be required.

The New York Times

Given what we know about planetary biology, 2 degrees seems nightmarish as it is.

The New York Times

"Given what we know about these families, we have reason to be concerned," Ms. Loprest said.

The New York Times

But given what we know, I'm relatively though not totally calm.

The New York Times

Given what we know of Mr. Bolaño's literary and personal life, this is questionable.

The New York Times - Books

Given what we know about the London economy, this is a much more realistic figure.

The Guardian

"Given what we know, we do not consider the D.C.F.S. statement a significant factor," they said.

The New York Times

"Given what we know, its an impact that can be handled," he said.

The New York Times

Given what we know, it's not worth the risk of drilling.

The Guardian

That is what the Constitution must mean today given what we know about human behavior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "given what we know" to introduce a statement that is based on current information or understanding. This helps to clarify the basis for your conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "given what we know" when the information is not widely known or accepted. Always provide context or background information to ensure the audience understands the basis of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given what we know" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a clause explaining the basis or rationale for a statement or decision. It sets the stage for a conclusion based on established knowledge. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "given what we know" is a versatile phrase used to introduce statements grounded in current knowledge, serving to contextualize and justify conclusions. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse domains, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. Although versatile, ensure you are making reasonable assumptions about your audience’s knowledge when you use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considering what we understand

Emphasizes the understanding that forms the basis of a decision.

in light of our current knowledge

Highlights the current state of knowledge influencing a decision.

based on our present understanding

Focuses on understanding as the foundation.

knowing what we do now

Highlights the specific point in time when knowledge influences a decision.

with the information we possess

Emphasizes the available information.

taking into account our knowledge

Highlights the act of considering knowledge.

understanding the facts at hand

Focuses on factual information that is available.

considering the available evidence

Highlights the importance of evidence in decision making.

with the benefit of hindsight

Focuses specifically on knowledge gained after an event.

as we now understand it

Emphasizes a revised or updated understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "given what we know" in a sentence?

You can use "given what we know" to preface a statement that relies on a shared understanding of facts or circumstances. For example, "Given what we know about the budget constraints, we need to prioritize projects carefully."

What are some alternatives to "given what we know"?

You can use alternatives like "considering what we understand", "in light of our current knowledge", or "based on our present understanding".

Is it correct to say "given what we knew" instead of "given what we know"?

The choice between "given what we know" and "given what we knew" depends on the context. "Given what we know" refers to current knowledge, while "given what we knew" refers to past knowledge.

When is it appropriate to use "given what we know" in formal writing?

"Given what we know" is appropriate in formal writing when you are drawing a conclusion or making a recommendation based on established facts or widely accepted information. It helps to ground your argument in a shared understanding.