it is common knowledge that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is common knowledge that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when a basic fact is being referenced which would be widely accepted or known by many people. For example, "It is common knowledge that the world is round."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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 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

It is common knowledge that the Academy Awards are watched by a billion people around the world.

The New Yorker

However, it is common knowledge that international agencies are extremely limited in what they can do on the ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is common knowledge that shortly after coming to power, Fidel Castro began to implement draconian policies.

The New York Times

"It is common knowledge that the ministry is responsible for generating maximum profits while supervising itself," Mr. Zhang said.

The New York Times

But although it is common knowledge that rape trials can be traumatic for the victim, it is still jaw-dropping to read about the process.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is common knowledge that" to introduce information widely accepted as true to provide context for your argument or analysis. However, avoid overuse, as it can sound condescending or dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "it is common knowledge that" to introduce information that is actually specialized or not universally known. If there's a chance your audience might not be familiar with the information, provide a brief explanation or cite a source.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is common knowledge that" functions as a discourse marker, signaling that the following statement is assumed to be widely known and accepted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it introduces basic facts readily acknowledged by many. It serves to establish a shared understanding between the writer and the audience, setting a foundation for further discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is common knowledge that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory phrase. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its function is to signal that the following statement is widely accepted as true, thereby establishing common ground with the audience. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the stated information is genuinely common knowledge to avoid alienating or misleading readers. Alternatives like "it is generally known that" or "it is widely accepted that" can be used for slight variation or to tailor to the specific context. Remember to use it judiciously, considering your audience and the formality of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is generally known that

This alternative uses "generally known" instead of "common knowledge", emphasizing widespread awareness.

it is widely accepted that

This emphasizes agreement rather than just awareness.

it is understood that

This implies a tacit agreement or assumption.

everyone knows that

This is a more informal and direct way of stating the same idea.

it goes without saying that

This implies the statement is so obvious it doesn't need to be said.

it is a given that

This suggests the statement is a fundamental assumption.

it is well-established that

Focuses on the fact that the information is verified or has been proven over a period of time.

it's no secret that

This suggests something that is not explicitly stated, but widely recognized.

the consensus is that

Highlights a broad agreement or unified opinion on a certain matter.

it's a truism that

This suggests that the information is undoubtedly true and widely accepted as self-evident.

FAQs

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

Use "it is common knowledge that" to introduce a statement that is generally accepted as true. For example, "It is common knowledge that the sun rises in the east."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is generally known that", "it is widely accepted that", or "everyone knows that" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "it is common knowledge that" in formal writing?

While acceptable, use it sparingly in formal writing. Consider more formal alternatives if the fact is not truly universally known or accepted. You can use alternatives like "it is well-established that".

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

Avoid using "it is common knowledge that" when introducing information that might not be universally known by your audience or when discussing specialized topics. It can be seen as condescending.