if known

USAGE SUMMARY

"if known" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is only known in certain cases or situations. For example, "Please provide the date of birth for the applicant, if known."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If known, give the sort code and account number.

The Guardian - Money

Bjorn is popular, if known for having a temper.

The Guardian - Sport

The names of the dead, if known, are written in a loose-leaf notebook.

The New York Times

Those under investigation by law enforcement anywhere must disclose this if known.

The Guardian

[If known positive before incarceration]  .

Health & Justice

Third, subsistent Being, if known, would be intelligible per se.

SEP

In the past, the existence and source of such information was unknown and, if known, was not always consulted.

Environmental Organic Chemistry for Engineers

One cloud type is depicted for each of three possible cloud layers, if known.

Wikipedia

The choice of hierarchical levels should be made to emphasize dynamical relationships, if known.

Wikipedia

Transcripts will be discussed by gene name if known, or by bovine locus designation.

Plosone

If known, the actual cost was included.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if known" to provide optional information without disrupting the flow of the sentence. It's helpful when the information isn't always available or relevant.

Common error

Avoid structuring sentences where the "if known" clause is essential for understanding. Ensure the sentence makes sense even if the information is omitted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if known" functions as a conditional adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by introducing a condition related to knowledge or awareness. It specifies that the action or state described is contingent upon whether the information is available. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if known" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that information is conditional on being known or available. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears frequently in scientific and news contexts. When writing, use "if known" to provide optional details without disrupting the flow, but ensure the sentence remains coherent if the information is omitted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when known

Focuses on the timing or instance of knowledge rather than the possibility.

if available

Suggests the information might exist but isn't guaranteed.

where applicable

Indicates relevance depends on specific cases.

if specified

Highlights that the information needs to be explicitly stated.

if identified

Emphasizes the act of discovering or recognizing something.

should it be known

More formal and emphasizes uncertainty.

in the event that it's known

A more verbose and cautious phrasing.

to the extent known

Implies there might be partial knowledge.

as far as is known

Highlights the limits of current knowledge.

contingent on knowledge

Focuses on the dependency of something on having knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "if known" to add optional details. For instance, "Please provide the model number, "if known"."

What's a good alternative to "if known"?

Alternatives include "when known", "if available", or "where applicable", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to omit "if known" if the information is likely unknown?

If the information is almost certainly unavailable, it's often better to omit the phrase to avoid unnecessary wording. However, if there's a chance it might be known, including "if known" is appropriate.

How does "if known" compare to "as far as is known"?

"If known" simply indicates that information should be provided if it exists. "As far as is known" suggests the information represents the current state of understanding, which may be incomplete.