it's common knowledge that

USAGE SUMMARY

'it's common knowledge that' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is commonly used to introduce a fact that is widely known, usually within a specific field or particular group. For example, "It's common knowledge that cats love to nap in the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's common knowledge that Shakespeare's plays were first performed with all-male casts; it wasn't until around 1660 that a female actor was used.

The New Yorker

By Hilton Als It's common knowledge that Shakespeare's plays were first performed with all-male casts; it wasn't until around 1660 that a female actor was used.

The New Yorker

It's common knowledge that the odds are heavily stacked in the house's favor.

Huffington Post

It's common knowledge that the Tories don't want electoral reform.

The Guardian

It's common knowledge that newspapers are closing down.

The Guardian

In the world of design, it's common knowledge that Anthony Baratta fears no color.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was common knowledge that Anna's dreams were haunted by a disembodied pair of trousers she called Mr. Pants.

The New Yorker

However, it was common knowledge that McClaren was the FA's second choice behind the Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Guardian - Sport

It is common knowledge that the Olympics are President Putin's pet project.

Huffington Post

She said it was common knowledge that A.I.G. was eliminating jobs in that division.

The New York Times

"Back then, it was common knowledge that everyone was getting high," said Ms. Forbes, a photographer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's common knowledge that" to introduce facts or assumptions that are widely accepted within a specific context or community. Be mindful of your audience and ensure the information truly qualifies as common knowledge for them.

Common error

Avoid using "it's common knowledge that" for niche or specialized information that may not be widely known by your intended audience. Overusing this phrase can undermine your credibility if the 'common knowledge' is not actually common.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's common knowledge that" functions as an introductory expression used to present information presumed to be widely known or accepted. It sets the stage for a statement that the speaker believes requires no further explanation or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it's common knowledge that" is a widely used phrase for introducing information presumed to be generally known. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression suitable for various contexts, primarily in News & Media. It's essential to ensure that what you present as common knowledge truly is, to avoid alienating or misleading your audience. Alternatives like "it is widely known that" and "everyone knows that" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is widely known that

Replaces "common knowledge" with "widely known", emphasizing the breadth of awareness.

it's a given that

Presents a fact as something that can be assumed without question.

it is understood that

Implies a level of implicit agreement or awareness.

it is generally accepted that

Focuses on the acceptance of a fact or idea, rather than just awareness.

it's no secret that

Similar to "everyone knows", but with a slightly more emphatic tone.

everyone knows that

Uses a more direct and informal tone to indicate shared knowledge.

as everyone is aware

Directly addresses the audience and assumes their knowledge of the fact.

it goes without saying that

Indicates that something is so obvious it need not be stated.

it's an open secret that

Suggests the information is technically not public, but widely suspected or known.

the word on the street is that

Implies that information is circulating through informal channels.

FAQs

How can I use "it's common knowledge that" in a sentence?

You can use "it's common knowledge that" to introduce a statement that is generally accepted as true. For instance, "It's common knowledge that the Earth revolves around the Sun".

What are some alternatives to saying "it's common knowledge that"?

Alternatives include "it is widely known that", "everyone knows that", or "it is generally accepted that", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it's common knowledge that"?

Use "it's common knowledge that" when introducing information that is widely understood and accepted within a specific group or the general public. Verify that the information is indeed common knowledge for your intended audience to avoid misunderstandings.

What's the difference between "it's common knowledge that" and "I think that"?

"It's common knowledge that" implies a shared understanding or accepted fact, while "I think that" expresses a personal opinion or belief. Using the former suggests the statement is objectively true and widely recognized, while the latter acknowledges subjectivity.