we all know

USAGE SUMMARY

"We all know" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to make a statement that suggests that everyone shares a common understanding relating to the topic. For example: "We all know that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We all know".

The New Yorker

We all know, Wei.

The New Yorker

We all know why.

Independent

We all know this.

The New York Times

"We all know that.

The New York Times

We all know fear.

University of California, Berkeley

"And we all know it.

The New York Times - Sports

We all know the statistics.

Independent

"We all know human behavior.

The New York Times

"We all know that one.

The New Yorker

We all know what happened.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we all know" to establish a shared understanding with your audience, making your argument more relatable and persuasive.

Common error

Avoid using "we all know" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can come across as presumptuous or lacking in evidence. Instead, provide specific data or citations to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we all know" functions as a declarative statement expressing a shared understanding or common knowledge. It establishes a connection with the audience by implying a collective awareness. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we all know" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate shared understanding or common knowledge. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While effective in establishing a connection with the audience, it's important to avoid overuse in formal writing, where more specific evidence may be required. Related phrases such as "everyone knows" or "it's common knowledge" can offer suitable alternatives depending on the intended emphasis. Overall, "we all know" serves as a useful tool for affirming shared beliefs and building rapport with readers or listeners.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as everyone knows

Similar in meaning, but places the emphasis on 'everyone'.

we are all aware

Directly states the awareness of a group.

it's common knowledge

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the knowledge itself.

it is widely known

Highlights the extent to which something is known.

it's understood

Indicates an implicit agreement or understanding.

everyone is aware

Focuses on individual awareness rather than collective knowledge.

we are all conscious of

Emphasizes a higher level of awareness and attention.

it goes without saying

Implies that something is so obvious it doesn't need to be stated.

the facts are clear

Focuses on the clarity and availability of the information.

it stands to reason

Suggests that something is logically obvious or predictable.

FAQs

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

Use "we all know" to refer to information that is widely accepted or generally understood. For example, "We all know that exercise is important for good health".

What phrases can I use instead of "we all know"?

Alternatives include "everyone knows", "it's common knowledge", or "it is widely known", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "we all know" in formal writing?

While "we all know" is acceptable in informal contexts, it may be too casual for formal writing. Consider using more objective language or providing supporting evidence.

What's the difference between "we all know" and "we all understand"?

"We all know" typically refers to factual information that is widely accepted, whereas "we all understand" implies a shared comprehension of a concept or situation.