known as

USAGE SUMMARY

"known as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a subject or group of people by the name that they are commonly known as. For example, "Oliver Smith, known as Ollie, grew up in the town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's known as redistribution.

The New York Times

known as Ghostface Killah.

The New Yorker

Otherwise known as style.

The New Yorker

Universally known as Frank.

The New Yorker

Otherwise known as everything.

The New York Times

Campbell, known as "Zup".

The New York Times

Also known as 20 Questions.

Independent

It's known as "gay plague".

The New Yorker

You're known as a superuser.

The New York Times - Tech

This is known as impingement.

The New York Times

These are known as antigens.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "known as" to introduce a more common or informal name after a formal or less familiar one. This helps your audience quickly understand who or what you are talking about.

Common error

Avoid using "known as" repeatedly in formal documents. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs like 'identified', 'designated', or 'referred to' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "known as" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject with an alternative or more common name. It indicates an equivalence or association between two terms, clarifying identity or providing additional information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "known as" is a versatile phrase used to introduce alternative or more common names, enhancing clarity and recognition. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It finds frequent application in News & Media and Wiki articles. While the register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may suit academic or professional writing. Remember to use "known as" to bridge understanding by connecting familiar names to less known subjects, and avoid overuse in contexts demanding strict formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

also called

Focuses on the act of naming or designation, implying an alternative designation is in use.

otherwise known as

Adds a sense of formality or alternate awareness to the name.

identified as

Highlights the act of recognizing or classifying something by a specific name.

referred to as

Emphasizes the act of mentioning or alluding to something with a particular term.

designated as

Indicates a formal or official naming or labeling.

termed

Suggests a specific term used to describe something, often in a technical context.

dubbed

Implies a nickname or informal title given to someone or something.

recognized as

Highlights the public acknowledgement or acceptance of a particular name or identity.

popularly known as

Indicates a name widely used and recognized by the general public.

familiarly known as

Highlights an informal or intimate familiarity with a particular name.

FAQs

How can I use "known as" in a sentence?

Use "known as" to introduce an alternative or more common name for someone or something. For example, "Robert Smith, known as Bob, is the CEO."

What's the difference between "known as" and "also called"?

"Known as" is often used when the alternative name is more popular or informal, while "also called" is a more neutral way of introducing another name. You can use alternatives like "also called".

Is "known as" formal or informal?

"Known as" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives might be preferable in highly formal writing. Other options you can consider are "identified as" or "referred to as".

What can I say instead of "known as"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "also known as", "otherwise known as", or "referred to as".