Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
long known
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"long known" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been known for a long time. For example, "The effects of smoking on human health have been long known."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Academia
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
I've long known it.
News & Media
Doctors have long known this.
News & Media
Politicians have long known this.
News & Media
LPS is long known to activate Nrf240.
Science & Research
She has long known the dismal statistics.
News & Media
Major species were long known to be endangered.
Scientists had long known that many bacteria have outer membranes.
Academia
Racial M/T disparities have been long known.
Science
She has also long known how to break them.
News & Media
Meteorologists have long known that two factors play crucial roles.
News & Media
Investigators have long known that the device failed.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Combine "long known" with specific examples or data to reinforce the claim that something has been understood for a considerable time, making your argument more persuasive.
Common error
Be cautious about implying that something is "long known" if its awareness is limited to a specific group or field. Overstating its universality can undermine your credibility.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "long known" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, often appearing in the passive voice. It modifies a statement by emphasizing that the information or concept has been recognized or understood for a considerable duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
42%
Science
30%
Academia
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "long known" is a phrase used to indicate that something has been recognized or understood for a considerable period. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in English. It appears most often in news and media, science, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context clearly indicates who possesses this knowledge and for approximately how long. Alternatives like "previously recognized" or "historically established" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid overstating the universality of the knowledge, as this can undermine your credibility.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
long-standing knowledge
Modifies "knowledge" with "long-standing", emphasizing the duration of the awareness.
previously recognized
Replaces "known" with "recognized", focusing on the acknowledgement of something over time.
for a long time it has been understood
Expands the phrase to express the understanding over an extended period, shifting the focus to comprehension.
common knowledge for some time
Indicates that the information is not only known but also commonly possessed, adding a communal aspect.
historically established
Emphasizes the historical aspect of the knowledge or fact.
well-established fact
Highlights that the matter is not just known but also confirmed or proven.
widely acknowledged
Indicates that the information is broadly accepted among a certain group or community.
has been known for ages
Emphasizes the length of time the information has been known, using the word "ages" to convey a very long duration.
time-honored understanding
Replaces the concept of knowing with a time-honored understanding, which may imply that it is related to custom or tradition.
a truth universally accepted
Uses a more literary and emphatic approach, suggesting widespread agreement on a particular truth.
FAQs
How can I use "long known" in a sentence?
You can use "long known" to indicate that a fact or concept has been recognized or understood for a considerable period. For example, "It has been "long known" that exercise is beneficial for health".
What are some alternatives to "long known"?
Alternatives include "previously recognized", "historically established", or "well-established fact", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it more appropriate to use "long known" or "widely known"?
"Long known" emphasizes the duration of awareness, while "widely known" emphasizes the breadth of awareness. Use "long known" when the length of time is relevant to your point.
What is the grammatical function of "long known" in a sentence?
"Long known" typically functions as part of a verb phrase, often in the passive voice, indicating that something has been recognized for an extended period.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested