we are known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a reputation or recognition that a group or entity has in a particular context. Example: "In the industry, we are known for our innovative solutions and exceptional customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are known.

The New York Times

We are known for science and technology.

The Economist

We are known as extraordinarily nice people.

The New York Times

We are known for keeping the ball.

Independent

We are known as highly competent people.

The New York Times

We are known in the area.

The Guardian

We are known as Lhotshampa — literally, people of the south.

The New York Times

We are known for our work on the security of electronic voting.

University of California, Berkeley

Denmark is not a xenophobic country – we are known to be happy, easygoing and generous.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They hate it when we are known as a scruffy school".

The Guardian

"We are known as a red state and we know that.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are known" to clearly state your group's established reputation or the general perception others have of your entity. For example, "We are known for our innovative solutions."

Common error

Avoid using "we are known" to express personal opinions or beliefs. Instead, reserve it for situations where you are referring to an established reputation or widely held perception. For example, don't say "We are known to be the best," unless there's external validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are known" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing an established reputation or widespread perception. It uses the passive voice to emphasize the recognition received by the group, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are known" is a versatile expression used to communicate an established reputation or perception. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in various sources, particularly News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure you're referring to a widely recognized attribute rather than a personal opinion. Alternatives like "we are recognized" can add a more formal tone. Avoid subjective contexts for this phrase; instead, use it to convey a pre-existing and often validated attribute of your group. Remember to differentiate between “we are known for” (highlighting attributes) and “we are known as” (designating a name or category).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are recognized

Focuses on formal acknowledgement or identification.

we have a reputation

Emphasizes the established perception of the group.

we are perceived as

Highlights how others view or understand the group.

we are regarded as

Indicates a formal assessment or judgment by others.

we are considered

Implies a general opinion or belief about the group.

we are famed for

Suggests widespread admiration or celebrity for a specific attribute.

we are noted for

Highlights a specific attribute that is particularly noticed or observed.

we are distinguished by

Emphasizes a unique characteristic that sets the group apart.

we are identified as

Focuses on the specific label or category the group is associated with.

we are synonymous with

Indicates that the group is strongly associated with a particular quality or concept.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we are known" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we are recognized", "we are regarded as", or "we are considered", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "we are known for" and "we are known as"?

"We are known for" highlights a specific attribute or quality that your group is recognized for, while "we are known as" specifies a name, title, or category your group is identified by. For example, "We are known for our customer service" versus "We are known as the industry leader".

When is it appropriate to use "we are known" in business writing?

Use "we are known" in business writing when stating your company's reputation, distinguishing feature, or widely acknowledged expertise. This helps to establish credibility and inform stakeholders about your organization's standing. For example, "We are known for delivering high-quality products on time".

What are some alternatives to "we are known" that emphasize future aspirations?

Instead of "we are known", use forward-looking phrases like "we aim to be known", "we aspire to be known", or "we are striving to be known" to indicate your desired future reputation and goals.