of course we know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of course we know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express agreement or acknowledgment of something that is already understood or accepted by the speaker and the listener. Example: "Of course we know that teamwork is essential for success in any project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Of course, we know she's special.

The New York Times

Of course, we know our children best.

The New York Times

Of course, we know what happened.

The Washington Post

The risks, of course we know".

The New York Times

Of course we know now what happened.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course we know the answer.

The New York Times

But, of course, we know the answer to that.

The New York Times

"But, of course, we know they can do it.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Of course, we know that she isn't.

Huffington Post

Of course, we know about Dr King.

The Economist

But of course, we know they're not.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of course we know" to acknowledge shared understanding, but avoid overuse, which can sound condescending or dismissive. Consider the context and your audience to ensure the phrase is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid starting argumentative sentences with "of course we know" because it may sound patronizing and weaken the argument. Instead, present facts directly or use a more neutral introductory phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of course we know" functions as an acknowledgement and a discourse marker. It indicates shared knowledge or agreement between the speaker and the audience. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often prefaces information that is considered obvious or already understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of course we know" is a common and grammatically correct way to acknowledge shared understanding or signal obviousness. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's prevalent in News & Media, with occasional use in Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use it judiciously to avoid condescension. Consider alternatives like "naturally we are aware" or "as we all know" depending on the context. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "of course we know" to enhance communication and build rapport.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as we all know

Simplifies the phrase by removing "of course" and directly stating the shared knowledge.

we are already aware

Focuses on the state of being informed, omitting the introductory "of course".

naturally we are aware

Replaces "of course" with "naturally" and "know" with "are aware", offering a slightly more formal tone.

it goes without saying that we know

Indicates that the knowledge is so fundamental that it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.

needless to say we know

Highlights that stating the information might be redundant, implying widespread understanding.

obviously we understand

Substitutes "of course" with "obviously" and "know" with "understand", emphasizing the clarity and ease of comprehension.

surely we are aware

Replaces "of course" with "surely", adding a slight emphasis on expectation.

it's common knowledge that we know

Emphasizes that the information is widely known and accepted.

it is self-evident that we know

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal and emphatic statement, highlighting the obviousness of the knowledge.

we are conscious of

Uses a more sophisticated vocabulary to express awareness, suitable for formal contexts.

FAQs

What does "of course we know" mean?

The phrase "of course we know" is used to indicate that something is already understood or obvious to both the speaker and the listener. It implies a shared knowledge or agreement on a particular point.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "of course we know"?

It's appropriate to use "of course we know" when you want to acknowledge a shared understanding or emphasize that something is already known. However, avoid using it in situations where it might come across as condescending or dismissive.

What are some alternatives to "of course we know"?

You can use alternatives such as "naturally we are aware", "obviously we understand", or "as we all know" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "of course we know"?

While grammatically correct, using "of course we know" can be inappropriate if the listener isn't actually aware of the information, or if it's used to shut down discussion. Be mindful of your audience and the context.