known by

USAGE SUMMARY

"known by" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is familiar or recognizable to others (due to having been seen or heard about). For example, "The new restaurant is already known by many locals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is known by everyone.

The New Yorker

Tobacco is known by almost all tribes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ulyanov, better known by his pseudonym Lenin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was known by everyone as Wally.

The New York Times

I was known by many, but actually known by few.

The Guardian

I'm commonly known by my nickname.

Stanford University

They were known by different letters.

The Guardian

Also known by the alias Abominable Snowman.

The New Yorker

Wayne is known by his surname, Chance.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"When I was known / by the lilac I hid beside".

The New Yorker

They want to be known by a few prominent people.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "known by" to indicate familiarity or recognition, rather than discovery. For example, instead of "The cure was known by the doctor", use "The cure was discovered by the doctor" if the doctor found it.

Common error

Avoid using "known by" when active voice is more appropriate and direct. For example, instead of "The answer is known by everyone", use "Everyone knows the answer" for a more concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "known by" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is recognized, understood, or familiar to a specific group or individual. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "known by" is a versatile expression used to indicate recognition or familiarity within a specific context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used. It's prevalent in news and media, academic writing, and even on wikis, demonstrating its adaptability across different registers. When employing "known by", ensure clarity by specifying who possesses the knowledge and consider whether active voice might offer a more direct alternative. Using alternatives such as "recognized by" or "identified by" can also enhance the precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognized by

Emphasizes the act of identifying or acknowledging something.

identified by

Highlights the specific characteristics that allow something to be distinguished.

referred to as

Focuses on the name or title used to designate something.

regarded as

Indicates the perception or opinion held about something.

understood by

Stresses the comprehension or awareness of something.

associated with

Highlights the connection or link between two or more things.

characterized by

Focuses on the distinctive qualities or features of something.

labeled as

Emphasizes the assignment of a specific designation or category.

perceived by

Indicates how something is sensed or interpreted.

acknowledged by

Highlights the recognition or acceptance of something's existence or validity.

FAQs

How do I use "known by" in a sentence?

"Known by" is used in the passive voice to indicate that something is recognized or familiar to a specific group. For example, "The theorem is "known by mathematicians"" or "He is "known by his nickname"".

What can I say instead of "known by"?

Alternatives to "known by" include "recognized by", "identified by", or "referred to as" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "known by"?

While "known by" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The solution is known by the team", consider "The team knows the solution".

What's the difference between "known by" and "discovered by"?

"Known by" implies familiarity or recognition, while "discovered by" indicates the act of finding something new. If something is already established or familiar, use "known by". If it's a new finding or invention, use "discovered by".