are known for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are known for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a reputation or characteristic associated with someone or something. Example: "The city is known for its vibrant arts scene and rich history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

CANADIANS are known for humility.

The Economist

Both are known for laboring.

The New York Times - Sports

Important directors are known for their style.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You are known for your brave reporting.

The New Yorker

We are known for science and technology.

The Economist

Our prosthetics are known for that.

The New York Times

They are known for living well.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Be known for something.

The New York Times

He's known for that.

The New Yorker

He's known for improvising.

Independent

Boston is known for talking.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are known for" to highlight widely recognized qualities or characteristics. This phrase effectively communicates established reputations or common perceptions.

Common error

While versatile, relying too heavily on "are known for" can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "are recognized for" or "are distinguished by" to maintain reader engagement and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are known for" functions as a descriptor, highlighting a commonly recognized attribute or reputation associated with a subject. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates an established characteristic. Examples from Ludwig show how this phrase is used across various contexts to denote public perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

23%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are known for" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating widely recognized attributes or reputations. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse sources, including news media and encyclopedias, underscore its reliability in conveying established characteristics. When writing, remember to use "are known for" to highlight common perceptions but consider varying your language to avoid sounding repetitive. As the examples indicate, this phrase serves to inform and provide context by communicating well-established qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are recognized for

Focuses more on acknowledgment or formal recognition of a quality.

are famous for

Emphasizes widespread fame or notoriety regarding a specific trait.

are celebrated for

Highlights the positive regard and admiration associated with certain attributes.

are distinguished by

Implies a unique or notable characteristic that sets something apart.

are noted for

Suggests that something is observed or documented for having a particular quality.

are regarded for

Highlights how something is viewed or considered based on certain aspects.

are reputed for

Suggests a common belief or opinion about the qualities of something.

are defined by

Indicates that specific characteristics are essential to the nature or identity of something.

are characterized by

Highlights the typical qualities or features that describe something.

are identified by

Emphasizes specific attributes that make something recognizable.

FAQs

How can I use "are known for" in a sentence?

Use "are known for" to describe a widely recognized or established quality or characteristic of a subject. For example, "New Yorkers "are known for" their resilience".

What's a good alternative to "are known for"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "are known for" include "are famous for", "are recognized for", or "are celebrated for".

Is it correct to say "is known for" instead of "are known for"?

Yes, but the correct form depends on the subject. Use "is known for" for singular subjects and "are known for" for plural subjects. For example, "The city is known for its architecture" versus "The cities "are known for" their diversity".

What's the difference between "are known for" and "are notorious for"?

"Are known for" is neutral and can refer to positive or negative qualities. "Are notorious for", however, exclusively refers to negative or unfavorable attributes. For instance, you might say a chef is known for their innovative dishes, but a criminal "are notorious for" their crimes.