we generally know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we generally know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to common knowledge or widely accepted information among a group of people. Example: "In discussions about climate change, we generally know that human activities contribute significantly to global warming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

We generally know how to do it well.

The Guardian

"He's a creature of habit, so we generally know what to expect," Cashman said.

The New York Times

We generally know the problems, but where are the aggressive policies to ensure, for example, that the U.S. does not falter under the weight of the looming healthcare crisis it will face over the next few decades?

The New York Times

"It lays the groundwork for other efforts to look at the importance of golf courses and other types of human [and wildlife] interface habitats like green belts where we generally know very little about".

Science Magazine

By 16, we generally know about condoms, STI testing, and how to say "nope, we're not doing that until we've both been tested".

Vice

(Why we do this is a matter of debate. Perhaps it's simply because we generally know much more about ourselves than we do about others).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

When we had to use vinyl and cassette tapes to make mixes, we generally knew what we had on us.

The New Yorker

By Sasha Frere-Jones February 18 , 2009When we had to use vinyl and cassette tapes to make mixes, we generally knew what we had on us.

The New Yorker

"There's no official federal government recognition of them, but we do generally know what parts of the city those individuals are located in," Cockrel said.

Huffington Post

The carriers generally know where we are all the time (or can easily find out), but they guard this information jealously and rarely disclose it to third parties.

TechCrunch

Labour MPs generally know it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase when referring to information that is widely accepted or understood within a particular community or group. For specialized knowledge, consider a more precise term.

Common error

Avoid using "we generally know" when the knowledge is not, in fact, widely held. This can alienate readers or create a false sense of shared understanding. Verify your assumptions before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we generally know" functions as an introductory phrase to present shared knowledge or assumptions. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from government to science, indicating its versatility in setting a common ground for discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we generally know" is a useful phrase for indicating shared understanding, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically sound and finds use across various domains, particularly in news, science, and general information contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the presumed knowledge is genuinely shared to avoid miscommunication. Consider alternatives like "it is widely known" for formal settings or to achieve greater precision. Remember that the effectiveness of the phrase hinges on the clarity of who "we" refers to and the validity of the shared knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are generally aware

Replaces "know" with "are aware", emphasizing a state of awareness rather than direct knowledge.

we are generally familiar

Substitutes "know" with "familiar", implying a less in-depth understanding.

we typically understand

Replaces "generally know" with "typically understand", suggesting a common understanding.

it is generally understood by us

Adds formality by using a passive construction and clarifying the understanding is 'by us'.

we have a general understanding

Changes the verb to "have", focusing on the possession of understanding.

we are mostly cognizant

Replaces "know" with "cognizant", indicating a formal acknowledgement or perception.

we are largely informed

Uses "informed" instead of "know", implying that knowledge comes from external sources.

our general understanding involves

Frames the phrase around "our general understanding", shifting the emphasis.

we are broadly conversant

Employs "conversant" instead of "know", suggesting knowledge sufficient for discussion.

we understand in general terms

Adds 'in general terms', underscoring the non-specific nature of the knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "we generally know" to introduce a fact or concept that is widely accepted or understood within a specific group. For example, "In the scientific community, "we generally know" that correlation does not equal causation."

What are some alternatives to "we generally know"?

Alternatives include "it is widely known", "it is generally understood", or "we are generally aware" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "we generally know" appropriate for formal writing?

While "we generally know" is acceptable, in formal writing, consider alternatives that are more precise and less colloquial such as "it is widely acknowledged" or "research indicates".

What's the difference between "we generally know" and "we specifically know"?

"We generally know" implies a broad understanding, while "we specifically know" suggests detailed, precise knowledge. The former is for common knowledge, the latter for expert or technical information.