known of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "known of" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when one intends to say that something is known or recognized by someone. Example: "He is known of his contributions to the field of science." (should be "He is known for his contributions...")

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing is known of her.

Independent

Remarkably little is known of him.

The New Yorker

More had to be known, of course.

The New York Times - Science

must have known of the coverup.

The New Yorker

Little is known of his childhood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Little is known of the kingdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Little is known of Héré's training.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Little is known of Diadochus' life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nothing more is known of her.

The Economist

Little is known of Kidinnu's life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Little else is known of his life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "known of" in formal writing. Instead, opt for more common and grammatically correct alternatives like "aware of", "familiar with", or "known for".

Common error

A common mistake is using "known of" when you actually mean "known for". "Known for" indicates a reason why someone or something is famous or recognized. For example, instead of "He is known of his bravery", say "He is known for his bravery".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "known of" functions as a passive construction attempting to express awareness or familiarity. However, as noted by Ludwig, its usage is not considered correct in modern English. Standard alternatives include constructions using "aware", "familiar", or "informed".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "known of" may appear in some texts, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered grammatically correct in contemporary English. It is better to use alternatives like "aware of", "familiar with", or "known for" to clearly and correctly convey the intended meaning. Its usage is infrequent, and it's generally best to avoid it in formal or professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aware of

Indicates a state of consciousness or knowledge about something, shifting the focus from the act of knowing to the state of being informed.

familiar with

Implies a degree of acquaintance or experience with something, suggesting a deeper understanding than simply knowing about it.

cognizant of

Similar to 'aware of' but often used in more formal contexts to emphasize a deliberate awareness.

informed about

Focuses on the process of receiving information, highlighting the source of knowledge.

apprised of

Suggests a formal or official notification of something, often used in legal or business settings.

conscious of

Similar to 'aware of' but can also imply a sense of being self-aware or mindful.

mindful of

Emphasizes the act of paying attention or being considerate of something, adding a layer of intentionality.

acquainted with

Indicates a personal or direct experience with something or someone, suggesting a more intimate knowledge.

conversant with

Implies a thorough understanding or familiarity with a subject, often used in academic or technical contexts.

abreast of

Suggests staying up-to-date with current information or developments, emphasizing the ongoing nature of knowledge.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "known of"?

While generally considered incorrect in modern standard English, "known of" might be encountered in older texts or very specific, niche contexts. However, in contemporary writing, it's best to avoid it and opt for alternatives like "aware of" or "familiar with".

What are some common alternatives to "known of" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "aware of", "familiar with", "informed about", or "known for". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "well known of" grammatically correct?

No, "well known of" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "well known for" or simply "well known".

How can I avoid mistakes when using phrases related to knowledge or awareness?

Pay close attention to the preposition that follows "known". "Known for" indicates a reason or characteristic, while "aware of" indicates a state of consciousness. Using a dictionary or grammar guide can help clarify the correct usage in specific cases.