known to us

USAGE SUMMARY

"known to us" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something previously identified or familiar to the speaker or listener. For example, "The laws of nature, known to us all, dictate the way our world works."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Etruscans are primarily known to us through the artifacts they produced and used.

Columbia University

"They were known to us.

The Guardian

"Fenerbahce and Benfica are both known to us.

Independent

"There was nothing known to us that precipitated the shooting".

The New York Times

They were not known to us," she said.

The Guardian

John is known to us by his abrasive, impatient manner.

The New York Times

"The problem with terrorism is well known to us all.

The Guardian

"He is not known to us," El-Kadomi said.

The Guardian

Sahin: What we included in that number are the existing reservoirs and lakes known to us.

Yale University

Apparently the new Lord Commander 'is a character that's been known to us for several seasons'.

Independent

"The reasons are unclear and the new C.E.O. is not known to us," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "known to us" to clearly indicate shared knowledge or familiarity between the speaker/writer and the audience. This helps establish common ground and strengthens communication.

Common error

Avoid using "known to us" if the information you're presenting is new or unfamiliar to your audience. Instead, provide context or background information to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "known to us" functions as a qualifier, indicating that the information being discussed is already within the shared understanding or awareness of the speaker and the audience. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to establish common ground in communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "known to us" is a versatile phrase used to indicate shared knowledge or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is frequently employed across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the information is genuinely familiar to your audience to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives like "familiar to us" or "we are aware of" for slight variations in meaning. This analysis underscores the importance of understanding audience context and choosing language that fosters clear communication. Based on the sources analyzed by Ludwig, it is clear that "known to us" is a valuable tool for establishing common ground and reinforcing shared understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

familiar to us

Changes "known" to "familiar", emphasizing prior acquaintance.

we are familiar with

Similar to "familiar to us" but uses a slightly different structure.

recognized by us

Replaces "known" with "recognized", highlighting acknowledgment.

previously identified by us

Emphasizes that the identification happened in the past.

we are aware of

Shifts the focus to our awareness of something.

within our awareness

Emphasizes the state of being aware.

we have knowledge of

Highlights possession of information.

we have encountered before

Highlights previous experience.

within our understanding

Focuses on comprehension rather than simple knowledge.

we understand

A more concise way to express understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "known to us" to refer to information that is already familiar or apparent to both the speaker and the audience. For example, "The risks of smoking are "known to us" all".

What are some alternatives to "known to us"?

Alternatives to "known to us" include "familiar to us", "we are aware of", or "previously identified by us", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "well known to us"?

While "well known to us" isn't grammatically incorrect, it can sometimes be redundant. "Known to us" already implies a level of familiarity. Consider whether the "well" adds significant emphasis or if it can be omitted for a more concise phrasing.

What is the difference between "known to us" and "available to us"?

"Known to us" implies that information is already understood or familiar, whereas "available to us" suggests that information can be accessed or obtained but may not necessarily be known or understood yet.