we actually know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we actually know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize certainty or knowledge about a particular fact or situation. Example: "Despite the rumors, we actually know the truth about what happened last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We actually know almost nothing".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Do we actually know what we're doing?

Yale University

We gain wisdom by admitting how little we actually know.

The New York Times

We actually know what's happening, and that is a blessing.

The New Yorker

Do we actually know that real estate was a bubble?

The New York Times

But we actually know that's not the case.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But what do we actually know about drinking and flying?

The Guardian

So what do we actually know about the morning of Aug. 21, 1863?

The New York Times

"But we actually know how to alleviate the problems of procrastination much more effectively".

The New Yorker

— but the older we get, it seems, the more we realize how little we actually know.

The New York Times

What do we actually know about the dynamics of news-consumption online?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "we actually know" with specific evidence or examples to strengthen your argument and demonstrate the basis of your knowledge.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences or paragraphs with "we actually know", as it can sound repetitive and condescending. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we actually know" functions as an assertion of knowledge. It's used to introduce a statement that the speaker or writer believes to be factual and verifiable. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we actually know" is a common and grammatically sound way to assert knowledge or certainty, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, and serves to highlight factual information. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive or condescending. Alternatives such as "we are aware" or "we understand" can provide similar meaning with different nuances. Remember to support any statement made with "we actually know" with evidence to enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are aware

Replaces "know" with "are aware", indicating consciousness of a fact.

we understand

Substitutes "know" with "understand", implying comprehension of something.

we are certain

Replaces "know" with "are certain", emphasizing a high degree of confidence.

it is known to us

Uses a passive construction to indicate that something is within our knowledge.

we have confirmation

Indicates that knowledge is based on verified information.

we possess the knowledge

Highlights that we have ownership of specific information.

we have ascertained

Implies that knowledge has been gained through investigation.

we have determined

Suggests that knowledge results from a decision or conclusion.

we've established

Indicates that knowledge has been firmly proven or demonstrated.

we recognize

Suggests an acknowledgment or awareness of a fact or situation.

FAQs

What does "we actually know" mean?

The phrase "we actually know" is used to emphasize that something is definitively known or confirmed, often in contrast to assumptions or uncertainties. It highlights a state of factual awareness.

How can I use "we actually know" in a sentence?

You can use "we actually know" to introduce facts or insights that might be surprising or not widely understood. For example, "We actually know that regular exercise can significantly improve mental health."

What are some alternatives to "we actually know"?

You can use alternatives like "we are aware", "we understand", or "we have confirmation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we actually know"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, be mindful of overusing it, as it can sometimes sound assertive or even condescending. Ensure that what follows "we actually know" is indeed factually accurate.