well-known

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "well-known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is widely recognized or familiar. For example, "She is a well-known figure in the fashion industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 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

That's a well-known phenomenon.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well-known" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is widely recognized or familiar to a large audience. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "well-known" as a verb. It is an adjective, so it should be used to describe a noun, not to express an action. For example, it is incorrect to say "She well-knowned the recipe," but correct to say "She is a well-known chef".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well-known" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is widely recognized or familiar. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and acceptable for use in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well-known" is a commonly used adjective that describes something or someone widely recognized or familiar. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in scientific and general writing contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "widely recognized", "famous", or "renowned", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use "well-known" as an adjective, not a verb, to avoid grammatical errors. Understanding these points ensures effective and accurate use of "well-known" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely recognized

Replaces "well-known" with a focus on the extent of recognition.

famous

A simpler and more direct synonym for "well-known".

renowned

Suggests a high degree of fame and respect.

celebrated

Emphasizes positive recognition and admiration.

prominent

Highlights importance and visibility.

established

Focuses on long-term recognition and acceptance.

noted

Implies attention and acknowledgment.

of note

Similar to "noted", but slightly more formal.

popular

Indicates widespread liking and familiarity.

familiar

Highlights common knowledge and recognition.

FAQs

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

"Well-known" is an adjective, so use it to describe nouns. For example: "He is a "well-known author"" or "That's a "well-known fact"".

What are some alternatives to "well-known"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "famous", "renowned", or "widely recognized".

Is "well-known" formal or informal?

"Well-known" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends on the specific sentence and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "well-known" and "famous"?

While both terms indicate recognition, "famous" often implies a greater degree of widespread recognition and celebrity status, while "well-known" simply suggests that something or someone is familiar to many people. The nuance lies in the extent and nature of the recognition.