only known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only known" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the fact that something is the only thing of its kind currently known. For example, "This painting is the only known work by the artist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If I'd only known".

The New York Times

His wife is his only known survivor.

The New York Times

Ms. Gray is the only known fatality.

The New York Times

We have the only known copy.

The New York Times

Oh, if I'd only known!

The New Yorker

"If I had only known.

The New York Times

It is Moore's only known anapestic work.

The New York Times

And not only known, but published.

The Guardian - Sport

MH370 is the only known missing 777.

The Guardian

"I've only known five days," she says.

The New Yorker

'I have only known him through work.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only known", ensure that it accurately reflects the current state of knowledge. If there's a possibility of further discoveries, consider phrasing it as "currently the only known".

Common error

Avoid using "only known" if there is a reasonable expectation that new examples or instances will be found. It's better to use qualifying language such as "to date" or "as of" to avoid future inaccuracies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only known" typically functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, indicating that something is the unique or sole instance recognized or identified. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only known" is a versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize the uniqueness or exclusivity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions to stress that something is the sole instance or example currently recognized. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with current knowledge and avoid overstatement if future discoveries are likely. Related phrases such as ""solely recognized"" or ""uniquely identified"" can offer subtle variations in meaning. In conclusion, "only known" is a valuable tool for precise and factual communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely recognized

Replaces "known" with "recognized", emphasizing the aspect of acknowledgement.

uniquely identified

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the subject being singled out.

exclusively acknowledged

Highlights that the subject is acknowledged by a select group.

singularly recognized

Stresses the unique recognition of the subject.

particularly known

Emphasizes the specificity of knowledge about the subject.

uniquely familiar

Highlights the unique familiarity with a topic or subject.

distinctively known

Emphasizes the distinctive manner in which something is known.

uncommonly known

Highlights that the subject is not widely known.

rarely recognized

Stresses the infrequency with which something is recognized.

scarcely identified

Highlights the limited identification of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "only known" in a sentence?

You can use "only known" to specify that something is the sole identified or recognized instance of its kind. For example, "This is the "only known" species of this type in the region."

What are some alternatives to "only known"?

Alternatives include "solely recognized", "uniquely identified", or "exclusively acknowledged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the only known" or "only known"?

Both forms are grammatically correct; however, using "the "only known"" is more common when referring to a specific instance. "Only known" can be used attributively.

What's the difference between "only known" and "widely known"?

"Only known" indicates something is uniquely identified or recognized, whereas "widely known" suggests something is commonly recognized or understood by many.