TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

well known vs well-known

Both "well known" and "well-known" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Well known" is used as an adjective before a noun, while "well-known" is used as a compound adjective before a noun. The hyphenated form is more common in written English.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 854 views

well known

This phrase is correct when used as an adjective before a noun.

Use "well known" when you want to describe something that is widely recognized or familiar.

Examples:

  • She is a well-known actress in the industry.
  • The restaurant is well known for its delicious food.
  • well known definition: 1. known or recognized by many people: 2. known or recognized by many people: 3. known or…. Learn more.

Alternatives:

  • famous
  • renowned
  • celebrated
  • recognized

well-known

This phrase is correct when used as a compound adjective before a noun.

Use "well-known" when you want to create a compound adjective to describe something that is widely recognized or familiar.

Examples:

  • He is a well-known author in the literary world.
  • The company is well-known for its innovative products.
  • See well–known defined for English-language learners .... "It is well known that our Holy Father Francis had great devotion to the Child Jesus... ( Habig 1959 ...
  • The well-known reasons are obvious. 2. generally or widely known: a well-known painting. Origin of well-known. Expand. late Middle English. 1425-1475.
  • Jul 1, 2010 ... In both, Oxford ALD and Cambridge ALD I find the adjective "well known". In some phrases it is written as well-known and in others as "well ...
  • well-known. star. see definition of well-known. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, adjective. adj familiar, famous. prev next. acclaimed ...

Alternatives:

  • famous
  • renowned
  • celebrated
  • recognized

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!