ENGLISH
REFERENCE

well known

compound.
B1 Intermediate Oxford

compound. someone or something that many people know about or recognize.

compound. an adjectival compound describing a person, place, or thing that is widely recognized or famous within a specific context.


SIMPLE

He is a well known actor in this country.

CONTEXTUAL

The restaurant is well known for its excellent seafood and friendly service.

COMPLEX

Although the author is well known among academic circles, her work remains largely undiscovered by the general public.

Usage

use a hyphen (well-known) when it comes before a noun, but no hyphen when it follows a verb.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'famous' to show that 'well known' can be neutral or specific to a small group, whereas 'famous' usually implies global or very broad recognition.

Pitfall

a well known singera well-known singerwhen used before a noun as a modifier, the phrase requires a hyphen to link the two words.

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