is common knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is common knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a particular fact or piece of information is widely known and accepted by most people. Example: "It is common knowledge that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is common knowledge.

The Economist

This is common knowledge.

The New York Times - Books

This much is common knowledge.

Cornell University

But just how common is common knowledge?

The New York Times

China's surveillance of its citizens' digital activities is common knowledge.

MIT Technology Review

She says this is common knowledge among children.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that these companies burn cash and need more.

The New York Times

That can mean assessing whether a particular hazard is "common knowledge".

The New York Times - Arts

That a deep Christian faith illuminated the personal journey of George W. Bush is common knowledge.

The New York Times - Magazine

This baseball, it is common knowledge, is worth a significant chunk of change.

The New York Times - Sports

It is common knowledge that children, especially at early ages, learn by modeling other children.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is common knowledge" to succinctly indicate that a piece of information is widely understood, avoiding the need for lengthy explanations. However, ensure the information truly meets this criterion to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "is common knowledge" for niche topics or specialized information. If the knowledge is only common within a specific group or field, specify that context to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is common knowledge" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that a particular piece of information is widely known. It serves to establish a shared understanding between the writer and the reader, as exemplified by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

12%

HuffPost

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is common knowledge" is a widely used expression to indicate that a piece of information is generally known and understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discourse. While effective for establishing shared understanding, it's crucial to ensure that the information truly meets the definition of "common knowledge" to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "is widely known" or "is generally understood" can offer subtle nuances. Using this phrase judiciously enhances clarity and efficiency in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is widely known

Replaces "common knowledge" with a more direct adjective, emphasizing the breadth of awareness.

is generally understood

Focuses on the comprehension aspect, implying that people not only know but also grasp the concept.

is a well-known fact

Highlights the factual nature of the information, emphasizing its established validity.

is public knowledge

Indicates that the information is accessible to anyone, often implying it's not confidential.

is common understanding

Similar to "generally understood", but stresses shared agreement or interpretation.

is accepted wisdom

Suggests a widely held belief or principle, often with a connotation of tradition or authority.

is a given

Implies that something is assumed to be true or factual, requiring no further proof.

is axiomatic

Denotes a self-evident truth or principle, particularly in formal or mathematical contexts.

is no secret

Highlights the lack of confidentiality or concealment regarding the information.

is universally recognized

Emphasizes the widespread acknowledgment and acceptance of a particular fact or concept across various populations.

FAQs

How can I use "is common knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "is common knowledge" to introduce a fact that most people are expected to know. For example, "It "is common knowledge" that the Earth revolves around the sun".

What are some alternatives to saying "is common knowledge"?

Alternatives include "is widely known", "is generally understood", or "is public knowledge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "is common knowledge" in formal writing?

Yes, "is common knowledge" can be used in formal writing. However, ensure that the information you are presenting truly meets this definition to maintain credibility. If in doubt, provide a source or further explanation.

What's the difference between "is common knowledge" and "is general knowledge"?

While similar, "is general knowledge" often refers to a broader range of information that an average person might know, whereas "is common knowledge" implies a more fundamental understanding or awareness within a specific context or group.