is generally known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is generally known" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in any situation where the speaker/writer is asserting that the subject of their sentence is something that is generally known by the public. For example, "It is generally known that the Amazon rainforest is home to millions of species of animals and plants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trump came closer to picking Christie than is generally known.

The New Yorker

The story is even worse than is generally known.

The New York Times

This is something that is generally known, but is not talked about out of political correctness".

The Guardian

Last week Nasheed – or "Anni" as he is generally known – was at it again.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

Thus the author is generally known as the Gawain or Pearl poet.

The New York Times - Books

The Moog synthesizer is generally known as the granddaddy of all commercial electronic music synthesizers.

Cornell University

The agency is generally known for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The Washington Post

The complex system is generally known as a non-linear and unsteady state process.

Measurement

ANF is generally known as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics

The mechanism of this reaction is generally known, but not its kinetic details.

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is generally known" to introduce information that most of your audience is likely to be familiar with. This helps to establish common ground and avoid unnecessary explanations.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "is generally known". Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is generally known" functions as an introductory clause to present information assumed to be common knowledge. It sets the stage for further discussion by establishing a shared understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is generally known" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction that serves to introduce information widely accepted or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to establish common ground with the audience, signaling that the information is not novel. The phrase exhibits a neutral to formal register and is predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts. To enhance writing, it's advisable to vary sentence structure and avoid overuse. This ensures clear, engaging, and authoritative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is widely recognized

Emphasizes broad acceptance and acknowledgement of a fact or concept.

is commonly understood

Focuses on the shared understanding of a concept among people.

is a well-known fact

Highlights the factual nature of the information being presented.

is public knowledge

Indicates that the information is accessible and known to the general public.

is a matter of common knowledge

Stresses that the information is so basic that it's widely known.

is universally acknowledged

Suggests almost everyone agrees on the stated information.

is broadly accepted

Focuses on the acceptance of the information, rather than just knowing it.

is common knowledge

A shorter and more direct way of saying "is a matter of common knowledge".

is a given

Implies that the information is a basic assumption and requires no further proof.

everybody knows

An informal way to indicate that something is widely known.

FAQs

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

You can use "is generally known" to introduce a fact or concept that most people are likely familiar with. For example, "It "is generally known" that the Earth revolves around the sun."

What are some alternatives to "is generally known"?

Some alternatives include "is widely recognized", "is commonly understood", or "is public knowledge", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is generally known"?

It's appropriate to use "is generally known" when you want to introduce a piece of information that you believe most of your audience is already aware of. This can help set the stage for more specific or detailed discussions.

What's the difference between "is generally known" and "is widely known"?

While both phrases are similar, "is generally known" implies a common understanding among people, whereas "is widely known" suggests that the information has been broadly disseminated and is familiar to many.