it is common knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'It is common knowledge' is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to introduce a sentence or idea that is generally accepted as true without the need for evidence. For example: "It is common knowledge that brushing your teeth twice daily is beneficial to oral hygiene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is common knowledge that these companies burn cash and need more.

The New York Times

This baseball, it is common knowledge, is worth a significant chunk of change.

The New York Times - Sports

It is common knowledge that children, especially at early ages, learn by modeling other children.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that security agencies monitor telephones, and yet, terrorists still use them.

The Guardian

It is common knowledge that a fax machine is worthless until others have one too.

The Guardian - Tech

It is common knowledge that technology is displacing how we traditionally perceive hospitality.

Cornell University

It is common knowledge that illicit drug use in the Russian Federation has reached critical proportions.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that he does not do well once he is sick.

The New York Times

It is common knowledge that the long-term negative effects can be life-threatening.

Independent

John Lennon, it is common knowledge, was taken out by British intelligence.

The Economist

It is common knowledge that buildings should be constructed with good envelopes and sufficient masses.

Energy and Buildings

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of your audience. What's common knowledge in one field or culture may be novel or unknown in another. Ensure the information is genuinely widely known before using this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "it is common knowledge" as a substitute for proper research or sourcing. Just because something seems obvious to you doesn't guarantee it's widely known or accurate. Always verify crucial facts, particularly in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

It is common knowledge functions as an introductory phrase used to preface a statement that is assumed to be widely known and accepted as true. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

28%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is common knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for introducing statements widely accepted as true. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase serves to establish a shared understanding between the writer and the audience across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. While versatile, be mindful of your audience and avoid assuming universal knowledge. Related phrases like "everyone knows" or "it's widely known" offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Always ensure that what you present as "common knowledge" is indeed widely known and accurate to avoid misinterpretations or inaccuracies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's common knowledge that

Adding "that" to the sentence makes it more explicit and introduces a subordinate clause.

everyone knows

Replaces the formal tone with a more direct assertion of universal awareness.

it's widely known

Substitutes "common knowledge" with a more informal, yet equally emphatic, expression.

it's a well-known fact

Emphasizes the factual nature of the information being presented as common knowledge.

it is generally accepted

Focuses on the consensus surrounding the information, rather than the awareness of it.

it's no secret that

Introduces the information as something not hidden, implying widespread awareness.

it's understood that

Highlights the shared understanding of a concept or fact.

it goes without saying

Suggests that the information is so obvious it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

it's public knowledge

Stresses that the information is accessible to anyone, not necessarily universally known.

the word on the street is

Uses a colloquial expression to indicate information that's broadly known, often informally.

FAQs

How can I use "it is common knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "it is common knowledge" to introduce a statement that is generally believed to be true. For instance, "It is common knowledge that exercise is beneficial for health."

What's a more informal way to say "it is common knowledge"?

Alternatives include /s/everyone+knows, /s/it's+widely+known, or /s/it's+no+secret+that, depending on the context.

Is "it is common knowledge" subjective?

Yes, what constitutes "common knowledge" can be subjective and vary based on the audience and context. Always consider whether your audience is likely to be familiar with the information.

When should I avoid using "it is common knowledge"?

Avoid using "it is common knowledge" when presenting complex or controversial information, or when writing for an audience unfamiliar with the topic. In such cases, it's better to provide a citation.