is generally unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is generally unknown' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that is not commonly known. Example: The true history of the small town is generally unknown to outsiders.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because the exact location of the recurrent tumor within the prostate is generally unknown, the general practice of salvage therapies involves treatment of the entire prostate [ 73].

BioMed Research International

The transition density between two observations is generally unknown.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

The course is generally unknown to contestants until the start of the rally.

Britannica

Gender composition across the data set is generally unknown and was therefore not considered.

Nature

The reason that emphysema develops in some smokers but not in others is generally unknown.

Britannica

For example, the distribution of charges in conductors is generally unknown because the charges move freely within the conductor.

Britannica

This issue becomes more challenging when one is interested in asymmetric RCTF buildings whose past seismic performance is generally unknown.

Structures

Despite a basic understanding, the relationship between the details of foam microstructure and foam bulk response is generally unknown.

Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids

Wild herbivores forage across these 'landscapes of fear'; however, the extent to which domestic herbivores consider them is generally unknown.

Journal of Arid Environments

While those materials are routinely tested under conditions typical of ordinary fires, their effectiveness at the much higher temperatures of last week's catastrophe is generally unknown.

The New York Times - Science

But the Foulkes found a buyer, and it was this third owner who occupied the house the longest, even though his name is generally unknown today: Noah Wheaton.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is generally unknown" when you want to emphasize that a piece of information or a fact is not commonly known or understood by a majority of people.

Common error

Avoid using "is generally unknown" when referring to information that is simply not accessible to the public due to confidentiality or security reasons, as this implies a lack of common knowledge rather than restricted access.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is generally unknown" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a lack of common knowledge or awareness about it. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is generally unknown" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of widespread knowledge about a particular subject. As Ludwig states, it is correct and usable in written English. It is found predominantly in scientific and academic writing but also appears in news media, encyclopedias and business contexts, making it appropriate for diverse audiences. Related phrases include "is not widely known" and "is largely unrecognised", offering slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it reflects a genuine lack of common knowledge and not simply restricted access to information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not widely known

Focuses on the breadth of knowledge, rather than implying complete obscurity.

is not commonly recognised

Stresses the lack of widespread acceptance or acknowledgement.

is largely unrecognised

Emphasizes the failure to acknowledge or give due credit.

is predominantly unfamiliar

Underscores the lack of prior exposure or acquaintance.

is mostly obscure

Highlights the lack of clarity or understanding surrounding the subject.

is not well-documented

Focuses on the lack of adequate records or information available.

remains largely a mystery

Indicates that the subject is unsolved or poorly understood.

is relatively uncharted

Highlights the unexplored or poorly understood nature of something.

is frequently overlooked

Highlights the tendency to disregard or neglect something.

is often underestimated

Emphasizes the undervaluation of something's importance or impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "is generally unknown" to indicate that a particular fact or piece of information is not widely recognized. For example: "The exact cause of the disease "is generally unknown"."

What are some alternatives to "is generally unknown"?

Alternatives include "is not widely known", "is largely unrecognised", or "is mostly obscure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you're talking about a fact or situation that isn't common knowledge, even among those who might be expected to know it. For instance, "The specific chemical composition of the alloy "is generally unknown" to the public."

Is "is generally unknown" the same as "is completely unknown"?

No, "is generally unknown" implies that some people might know it, but it's not widespread knowledge. "Is completely unknown" suggests that nobody knows the information.