it became known

USAGE SUMMARY

"it became known" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something was revealed or made public. For example: "After a few months investigation, it became known that the company had been involved in illegal practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On August 14, 2007, it became known by its current name.

Stanford University

It became known as "the Irving deal".

The New York Times

It became known as The Gun Emplacement.

Independent

After it became known that the Pres.

The New Yorker

In 2012 it became known as JAHN.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It became known as the Business Records Order.

The New Yorker

It became known as the Starbucks footnote.

The New York Times

It became known as "hillbilly heroin".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It became known inside the government as the P.S.P., the President's Surveillance Program.

The New Yorker

It became known as Backus-Naur form.

The New York Times

It became known as the specific bovine offal ban.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it became known" to introduce facts or information that has been newly revealed or has gained widespread recognition.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it became known" if an active voice would make the sentence clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "It became known that the company was failing", consider "The company's failure became known".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became known" functions as an introductory clause or phrase, typically preceding a statement of fact or information that has come to light or gained recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it became known" is a versatile and frequently used expression to introduce newly revealed or recognized information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage across diverse fields, including News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. While grammatically sound, varying the sentence structure by opting for active voice or alternative phrasing can enhance clarity and impact. Its neutral register makes it suitable for professional and general communication, ensuring that the intended message is effectively conveyed to the audience. Knowing how to use this phrase effectively is a critical component of strong writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was revealed

Focuses on the act of revealing something that was previously hidden.

it was discovered

Emphasizes the finding of something previously unknown.

it came to light

Suggests that information emerged after being concealed or obscure.

the truth emerged

Highlights the unveiling of factual information, especially after doubt or deception.

the facts surfaced

Implies that details became available after being hidden or difficult to obtain.

it transpired

Indicates how events unfolded and became understood over time.

it was understood

Focuses on the comprehension and acceptance of information.

people realized

Shifts the focus to people's understanding and acknowledgment.

the public learned

Highlights the dissemination of information to a broader audience.

information surfaced

Emphasizes that details became accessible or apparent after being previously obscure or unavailable.

FAQs

How can I use "it became known" in a sentence?

"It became known" introduces information revealed or widely recognized. For instance, "It became known that the experiment had unexpected results" or "It became known that the company was facing financial difficulties".

What's a more formal alternative to "it became known"?

More formal alternatives include "it was revealed", "it was disclosed", or "it transpired". For example, instead of "it became known", you could say "it was revealed that the negotiations had failed".

Is it better to use active or passive voice instead of "it became known"?

While "it became known" is acceptable, using the active voice can make sentences more direct. For instance, instead of "It became known that the CEO resigned", you could say "People learned that the CEO resigned" or "The CEO's resignation became public".

What's the difference between "it became known" and "it was discovered"?

"It became known" generally indicates that information was revealed or recognized, while "it was discovered" implies that something was found or uncovered. The nuance depends on whether the focus is on revelation or discovery.