is not unknown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not unknown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is recognized or acknowledged, often in a context where one might expect it to be unfamiliar. Example: "The concept of artificial intelligence is not unknown to the general public, as it has been widely discussed in media and literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thievery is not unknown.

The New York Times

Abqaiq is not unknown to terrorists.

The New York Times

But violence against foreigners is not unknown.

The New York Times

Hiring private planes is not unknown.

The Guardian

As a character, Maurice is not unknown around the state.

The New York Times - Magazine

The use of dames, in public health, is not unknown.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Canadian border is not unknown to terrorists.

The New York Times

The taking of life during interrogation is not unknown here.

The Guardian

Still, the Canadian border is not unknown to terrorists.

The New York Times

Charging for access to nature is not unknown.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is not unknown to the outside world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not unknown" to subtly imply that a concept, while perhaps not widely discussed, has some level of recognition or precedence. This can add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple negative constructions. While "is not unknown" is acceptable, avoid phrases like "is not not known" as they create convoluted and confusing sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not unknown" functions as a form of understatement or litotes, where an affirmative is expressed by the negation of its contrary. It indicates that something is recognized or acknowledged to some extent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not unknown" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is recognized or acknowledged. Ludwig AI confirms the accuracy and common usage of this phrase, especially in news, science, and formal writing. It functions as a form of understatement. When using it, consider alternatives like "is familiar" or "is recognized" for directness, but appreciate the subtle implication of prior, even if limited, awareness that "is not unknown" provides.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not unfamiliar

Maintains a similar tone but emphasizes the existing level of knowledge.

is familiar

Directly states that something is known, removing the double negative.

is recognized

Focuses on the acknowledgment or acceptance of something.

is recognized

Emphasizes the recognition of something.

is acknowledged

Highlights the formal or public recognition of something.

is established

Suggests that something is well-known and accepted.

is well-established

Indicates something is firmly recognized or accepted.

is no secret

Implies widespread knowledge of something.

is not new

Highlights that something has been known for some time.

is understood

Focuses on the comprehension or awareness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "is not unknown" in a sentence?

The phrase "is not unknown" indicates that something is recognized or acknowledged. For example, "The concept of climate change "is not unknown" to the general public."

What can I say instead of "is not unknown"?

You can use alternatives such as "is familiar", "is recognized", or "is not unfamiliar" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "is not unknown" or "is known"?

While both are grammatically correct, "is not unknown" often implies a degree of subtlety or understatement, suggesting that something may not be widely recognized but still has some level of awareness. "is known" is a more direct statement of fact.

What is the tone conveyed by "is not unknown"?

The phrase "is not unknown" often conveys a tone of understatement or mild surprise, suggesting that a concept, while perhaps not prominent, has some level of recognition or historical precedent.