so well known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so well known" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when talking about something that is widely recognized or familiar to many people. Example: "Shakespeare's plays are so well known that they are still studied and performed all over the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

This movie is so well known.

The New Yorker

I was so well known everyone knew.

The New Yorker

Many others are not so well known.

The New York Times - Books

Allard's people figured Strickland wasn't so well known, either.

The New York Times

Russian colonialism is not so well known," she explains.

The Guardian - Books

He is not so well known as a photographer.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

She's so well-known".

The Guardian

I'm not so well-known".

The Guardian

You just trust the website as it's so well-known".

The Guardian - Tech

"We felt this was important because the discovery is so well-known," he says.

The Guardian

But the main reason Zoe became so well-known is that her style is so distinctive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "so well known" to emphasize that something is not just known, but exceptionally familiar or widely recognized. This highlights the extent of its recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "so well known" excessively in formal or academic writing. Consider using more precise terms like "widely recognized", "well-documented", or "established" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so well known" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent to which something is recognized or familiar. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and commonly used construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so well known" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is exceptionally familiar or widely recognized. Ludwig AI validates its common use. It functions as an adjectival phrase and is suitable for a neutral register, appearing frequently in news and media sources. When writing, remember that while it is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from synonyms like "widely recognized" or "well-established". Avoid overuse to maintain clarity and precision in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commonly known

Highlights the general awareness of a fact or piece of information.

famous

A simpler term stressing broad recognition.

familiar to all

Directly states that something is known by everyone.

widely recognized

Focuses on the breadth of acknowledgement rather than the degree of familiarity.

universally acknowledged

Indicates almost complete agreement or recognition.

renowned

Suggests a higher level of prestige and respect compared to mere recognition.

a household name

Specifically refers to something widely known within family settings.

highly regarded

Emphasizes positive perception and esteem more than general awareness.

well-established

Implies longevity and solid acceptance more than just being known.

deeply ingrained

Suggests that something is fundamentally known or accepted.

FAQs

How can I use "so well known" in a sentence?

You can use "so well known" to emphasize the widespread recognition of a person, place, or thing. For example, "The Eiffel Tower is "so well known" that it's an easily recognized symbol of Paris".

What are some alternatives to "so well known"?

Alternatives to "so well known" include "widely recognized", "famous", "renowned", or "commonly known". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "so well known" formal or informal?

"So well known" is generally considered neutral in tone. While appropriate for many contexts, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "well-established" or "universally acknowledged".

What's the difference between "so well known" and "well known"?

The addition of "so" intensifies the degree of familiarity. "Well known" indicates general recognition, while "so well known" emphasizes that something is exceptionally familiar or widely recognized.