known

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'known' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is widely or generally accepted, or something that has been identified or made clear. Example: The singer was already well-known for her powerful voice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous, too, not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq".

The Guardian

I think she was the most practical, efficient and organised person I have known.

The Guardian

You are the most ghastly man I have ever known.

The Guardian

In all, 45 charges relate to one child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons and is known as "A", and four against a second girl, referred to as "B".

BBC

The Guardian is also known for its globally acclaimed investigation into phone hacking, the launch of its groundbreaking digital-first strategy in 2011 and its trailblazing partnership with WikiLeaks in 2010.

The Guardian

The way I figure it, the one terrorist in England with a sense of humor, a man known as Khalid the Droll, had said to the cell, 'I bet I can get them all to take off their shoes in airports.' So this prankster set up poor impressionable Reid and won his bet.

The Economist

"I've never known anything like it.

The Guardian - Sport

Gambling on Osborne's known weakness for glamour projects, Bernstein tossed one after another into the pot Most of the city's new powers were regulatory.

The Guardian

In Cappadocia, the thrill of hurtling along a trail on two wheels is amplified by its otherworldly landscape of rock pillars, known as "fairy chimneys", many reaching more than 40 metres high, as well as its cave houses and ancient Byzantine churches.

The Guardian - Travel

Merchants have walked the route for centuries, but now the first handful of tourists are discovering this unique trek, known as the Chadar.

The Guardian - Travel

Related: Sir Bradley Wiggins smashes Alex Dowsett's hour record – in pictures The Hour is better known for pressure of a different kind: the relentless need for the rider to maintain an even pace, while on the edge of cracking.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "known", ensure the context clearly indicates what is known and by whom. For example, specify if something is "widely known" or "known to experts".

Common error

Avoid using "known" without specifying who possesses the knowledge. Instead of saying "it is known", clarify by stating "researchers have known" or "it is widely known among professionals".

Linguistic Context

The word "known" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something is recognized or established. Ludwig's examples show its versatility in describing qualities (e.g., "well known locally") or facts (e.g., "it is known whether").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

10%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Business

6%

Opinion

5%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "known" functions primarily as an adjective used to describe something recognized or established. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, indicating its widespread applicability. When using "known", ensure the context clearly indicates what is "known" and by whom to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "well-known" or "established" can provide more nuanced meanings depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-known

Emphasizes widespread familiarity or fame; intensifies the degree to which something is recognized.

recognized

Focuses on the act of identifying or acknowledging something or someone.

established

Highlights that something is firmly accepted or recognized as true or valid.

familiar

Indicates a state of being acquainted with or having knowledge of something.

acknowledged

Stresses the acceptance or recognition of something, often implying prior denial or doubt.

identified

Focuses on the act of determining or establishing what something is.

certain

Suggests a state of being sure or having no doubt about something.

ascertained

Indicates that something has been discovered or determined with certainty, often through investigation.

public knowledge

Implies that information is widely available and not confidential.

common knowledge

Suggests that information is widely known and accepted by most people.

FAQs

How can I use "known" in a sentence?

You can use "known" in various ways, such as "He is "known for" his contributions to the field" or "It is "known that" exercise benefits health".

What are some alternatives to using "known"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "recognized", "established", or "familiar" in place of "known".

Is it better to say "well-known" or just "known"?

"Well-known" emphasizes that something is widely recognized or famous, while "known" simply indicates that something is identified. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "known" and "notorious"?

"Known" simply means recognized, while "notorious" means famous for something bad. Using "notorious" carries a negative connotation that "known" does not.