well known

USAGE SUMMARY

"well known" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something or someone that is or has become famous or well-known due to notoriety or popularity. For example, "The Mona Lisa is a well-known painting by Leonardo da Vinci."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Twitter is well known.

The New York Times

They're well known.

The New York Times

Less well known?

The New York Times

She'll be well known".

The New Yorker

"He's well known.

The New York Times - Sports

This is well known.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Sometimes too well-known.

The Economist

Judge: A well-known what?

The New York Times

The story is well known.

The Economist

Some bear well-known brands.

The Economist

It's a well-known scenario.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well known" to describe something or someone with an established reputation or broad recognition. For instance, "The Eiffel Tower is a "well known" landmark."

Common error

Avoid using "well known" as the subject of a sentence. It is an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. For example, instead of writing "Well known is important", write "Being "well known" is important" or "Fame is important."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well known" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It attributes a quality of widespread recognition or familiarity to the noun it describes. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "well known" precedes nouns, such as ""well known" brands" or ""well known" story".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well known" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to indicate that something is widely recognized or familiar. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in news media, encyclopedias and wiki, and maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While the phrase is generally straightforward, it is important to remember that "well known" functions as a modifier and should not be used as the subject of a sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely recognized

Focuses on the breadth of recognition rather than the depth of knowledge.

famously known

Emphasizes the fame or notoriety associated with being known.

commonly known

Highlights that the information is generally known by most people.

universally acknowledged

Suggests almost everyone agrees or knows about something.

publicly recognized

Implies official or widespread recognition by the public.

established reputation

Shifts focus to the reputation that is widely acknowledged.

noted

A more concise way to indicate that something is observed or known.

highly regarded

Emphasizes respect and positive recognition rather than just being known.

in the public eye

Indicates that something or someone is visible and known to the public.

widely publicized

Highlights the extensive distribution of information making it known.

FAQs

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

"Well known" is typically used to describe a noun, indicating that the subject is widely recognized or famous. For example, "She is a "well known" author" or "That restaurant is "well known" for its pizza."

What phrases can I use instead of "well known"?

Alternatives to "well known" include "widely recognized", "famously known", or "commonly known", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "well known" or "best known"?

Both "well known" and "best known" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Well known" simply means widely recognized, while "best known" implies that something is the most famous or recognized among a group of similar things.

What is the difference between "well known" and "inadequately known"?

"Well known" refers to something that is widely recognized or familiar, while "inadequately known" refers to something that is not sufficiently recognized or understood. They are antonyms, representing opposite levels of familiarity.