likely already know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely already know" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when suggesting that someone probably has prior knowledge about a topic. For example: "As you likely already know, the meeting has been rescheduled." Alternative expressions include "probably already know" and "most likely know."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

One exception -- if you have a severe nut allergy like myself, you likely already know that a small purse and a nut allergy simply don't go together.

Huffington Post

You likely already know about FX's "The Americans," a brilliant espionage thriller that's really a dark poem about marriage and morality, which has won many deserved raves.

The New Yorker

You likely already know something about Edmond Rostand's most famous creation: he has a large, almost disfiguring nose; he's in love, though he doesn't admit it, with his cousin Roxane Clémence Poésyy), who confides in him that she loves the hopeless but cute Christian Kyle Sollerr), a self-regarding, inarticulate man, for whom Cyrano ends up acting as a kind of beard.

The New Yorker

And since they are your actual friends, they will likely already know what that location is.

TechCrunch

If you have children, you likely already know the 'hand-me-down' model well.

TechCrunch

But as you likely already know, it has nothing to do with hardware — it's simply an advanced audio equalizer.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Couldn't take the chance of him letting her know something she most likely already knows.

Vice

"Do you smoke?" he asked (in a way that let me know he likely already knew the answer).

Huffington Post

While most people think of interreligious contact as something that involves organizations, governmental think tanks, charities, and other large groups, the truth is that each person likely already knows someone of a different religious background.

Huffington Post

After all, if you are close enough to someone to obtain a clear headshot — on your smartphone — isn't it likely you already know them, and therefore don't need to search for them?

TechCrunch

Smaller groups of girls are more likely to already know each other, but for larger groups it may be a good idea to incorporate some icebreaker party games during the course of the party to calm everyone down and give them an opportunity to get to know each other.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "likely already know", consider the audience's actual level of knowledge. Overestimating can alienate readers, while underestimating can be patronizing. Adjust the phrasing accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "likely already know" when there's a significant chance the audience is not aware of the information. Instead, use softer phrases like "you may know" or simply provide the information without assumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely already know" functions as a qualifying statement indicating the speaker or writer assumes the audience has prior knowledge of a topic. This assumption sets the stage for further discussion or elaboration, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "likely already know" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate an assumption of prior knowledge. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's most frequently found in News & Media, with Wiki and Science as less common contexts. While it is recommended to always be mindful of the audience and their real level of information, the Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is useful in avoiding tedious information on any kind of content. Some alternatives for this phrase are "probably already know" or "almost certainly know".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

probably already know

Replaces "likely" with "probably", indicating a slightly higher degree of certainty.

almost certainly know

Strengthens the likelihood of prior knowledge with "almost certainly".

presumably already know

Suggests the prior knowledge is a reasonable assumption.

most likely already aware

Replaces "know" with "aware", broadening the understanding to include awareness.

you're probably already familiar with

Shifts the focus to the listener's familiarity instead of knowledge.

it's safe to assume you know

Frames the prior knowledge as a safe assumption to make.

as you may already know

Acknowledges the possibility of unfamiliarity while suggesting prior knowledge.

no doubt you're already aware

Expresses a strong belief in the listener's existing awareness.

chances are you already know

Uses a more informal idiom to suggest likely prior knowledge.

it is highly probable you already know

Uses formal register to emphasize probability.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "likely already know" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, try using phrases such as "presumably already aware", "it is probable that you already know", or "it is reasonable to assume you are already familiar with the subject matter".

What's a more casual way to say "likely already know"?

In informal settings, consider using phrases like "chances are you already know", "you probably already know", or even just "you might already know".

When is it inappropriate to use "likely already know"?

Avoid using "likely already know" if you aren't reasonably confident that your audience possesses the information. Overusing it can come across as condescending or presumptuous. If in doubt, provide the information regardless.

What's the difference between "likely already know" and "probably already know"?

The difference is subtle, but "probably already know" expresses a slightly stronger degree of certainty than "likely already know". You can use alternatives like "almost certainly know" to increase the level of assurance.