known to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"known to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an accepted characteristic of a person, place, or thing. For example, the Grand Canyon is known to be one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're known to be violent.

The New Yorker

He is not known to be married.

The New York Times

The Chinese are known to be gamblers.

The New York Times - Sports

Gamblers are known to be superstitious.

The New York Times - Sports

Mining towns were known to be rough.

The New Yorker

Mixing metaphors is known to be bad.

The Economist

Now known to be fictional.

The Washington Post

RA is known to be autoimmune disorder.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Uni is known to be an aphrodisiac.

The Guardian - Travel

It was known to be Soviet propaganda.

The Guardian

He is known to be color-blind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "known to be" to introduce facts or widely accepted information. This adds credibility to your writing by indicating that the information is not just your opinion.

Common error

Avoid using "known to be" when expressing personal opinions or subjective viewpoints. Instead, use phrases like "considered to be" or "believed to be" to indicate a subjective assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "known to be" functions as an infinitive phrase that commonly introduces a characteristic or attribute widely accepted as true. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its use signals that the following statement is factual and not merely an opinion. The examples provided show its use across diverse subjects, reinforcing its role in conveying established information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "known to be" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce well-established facts or characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various fields. As highlighted by the analysis, it's most frequently found in News & Media, Academic and Scientific sources. When writing, remember that while it's appropriate for formal contexts, overuse or use in subjective contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "recognized as" or "considered to be" might be more suitable for expressing opinions. With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering its usage will undoubtedly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recognized as

Focuses on the act of recognition rather than the state of being known.

considered to be

Emphasizes a subjective assessment or opinion about something.

regarded as

Similar to "considered to be", but implies a more formal or widely held opinion.

understood as

Highlights a shared understanding or interpretation of something.

believed to be

Indicates a held belief, which may or may not be based on concrete evidence.

deemed to be

Suggests a formal judgment or decision about something.

established as

Focuses on the confirmation or proof of something's status or characteristic.

proven to be

Implies that something has been verified or demonstrated through evidence.

accepted as

Emphasizes that something is generally agreed upon or recognized.

presumed to be

Indicates an assumption based on available evidence, without definitive proof.

FAQs

How can I use "known to be" in a sentence?

Use "known to be" to state a generally accepted fact or characteristic. For example, "The Earth is "known to be" round".

What are some alternatives to "known to be"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "recognized as", "considered to be", or "regarded as".

Is it appropriate to use "known to be" in formal writing?

Yes, "known to be" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral phrase that adds credibility by indicating widespread acceptance of a fact.

What's the difference between "known to be" and "believed to be"?

"Known to be" suggests established fact, while "believed to be" implies a belief that may not be universally accepted or proven.