[General] known to vs. known by

[maoyueh]

A. That the earth is round is known to everybody.
B. That the earth is round is known by everybody.

Which one is correct, A or B? I would choose A. But on second thoughts, if "known by" denotes that the knowledge comes from more personal experience, for example, from reading, from being taught by one's teachers etc., then B could be correct too. That is why I need language experts' help. Thank you.

 

[2006]

A. That the earth is round is known to everybody.
B. That the earth is round is known by everybody.
B. is correct.
Which one is correct, A or B? I would choose A. But on second thought, if "known by" denotes that the knowledge comes from more personal experience, It doesnt mean that. for example, from reading, from being taught by one's teachers etc., then B could be correct too. That is why I need language experts' help. Thank you.

'Everybody knows that the earth is round.' is a more natural sentence.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I agree with 2006, but your sentences are correct.

 

[maoyueh]

I agree with 2006, but your sentences are correct.

By saying "...your sentences are correct," do you mean that A is also correct? Thank you a lot.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Yes. As a matter of fact, I prefer it to B.

 

[2006]

In my opinion, the "is known to" phrase is more suited to sntences like 'He is known to (support)(favor) that.'

 

[maoyueh]

In my opinion, the "is known to" phrase is more suited to sntences like 'He is known to (support)(favor) that.'

In my opinion, I can say "Steve Jobs was known to me." This means that he was so famous and that I heard or read about him a lot. But if I met him before, I could say "I knew him," or "He was known by me, sometime or somewhere, for example."

Please correct me if I'm wrong. Thank you.

 

[Raymott]

In my opinion, I can say "Steve Jobs was known to me." This means that he was so famous and that I heard or read about him a lot. But if I met him before, I could say "I knew him," or "He was known by me, sometime or somewhere, for example."

I'd say that is one of the differences in nuance that could be applied to your sentences. They are both correct to me.
"That the earth is round was known to the Ancient Greeks" is a correct sentence. I'd choose 'by' in the original.