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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Known to mankind

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"known to mankind" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it to refer to something that is widely known or famous, particularly among humans. For example: The discovery of electricity is one of the most important advances known to mankind.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Comments: "This is the greasiest crust known to mankind.

Every element known to mankind, in virtually infinite amounts.

News & Media

The Guardian

It is a cheap and thus one of the oldest building materials known to mankind.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common and even fatal infectious diseases known to mankind.

BTX is the most potent, naturally occurring toxin known to mankind.

We will develop, build and purchase the best equipment known to mankind.

News & Media

The New York Times

Is there any less natural form of socializing known to mankind?

News & Media

The New York Times

It is one of the most devastating diseases known to mankind".

"The sea kayak is one of the most versatile boats ever known to mankind," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Taxol® (generic name paclitaxel) represents one of the most clinically valuable natural products known to mankind in the recent past.

Another firm, Green Street Advisors, recently called suburban office property the "worst real estate business known to mankind".

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "known to mankind" to emphasize the impact or relevance of something to the entire human species, particularly when discussing shared experiences, discoveries, or challenges.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "known to mankind" in casual conversations or informal writing; opt for simpler alternatives like "everyone knows" or "well-known" to maintain a natural tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "known to mankind" functions as a post-modifier, adding descriptive detail to a noun. According to Ludwig, this is a perfectly usable phrase. It indicates something that is recognized, experienced, or understood by humans collectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

⚠ Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "known to mankind" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as also stated by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize that something is widely recognized, experienced, or understood by humans collectively. While generally appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, it should be used sparingly in informal settings. Alternative phrases such as "known to humanity" can offer a more inclusive alternative, while phrases like "common knowledge" provide simpler options for casual use. When employing "known to mankind", it's essential to consider the intended audience and the desired level of formality to ensure effective communication.

FAQs

How can I use "known to mankind" in a sentence?

You can use "known to mankind" to describe things like discoveries, diseases or natural resources. For example, "The printing press was one of the most important inventions "known to mankind"."

What's a more inclusive alternative to "known to mankind"?

To be more inclusive, you can use "known to humanity" instead, which avoids the gendered term "mankind".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "known to mankind"?

It is appropriate to use ""known to mankind"" in formal writing or when emphasizing the impact on all of humanity. However, avoid it in informal contexts where it may sound overly dramatic.

Which is correct, "known to mankind" or "known by mankind"?

"Known to mankind" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Known by mankind" is less frequently used and can sound awkward.

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Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: