be famous for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be famous for' is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when speaking or writing about someone or something that has achieved a level of notoriety or recognition. For example: Albert Einstein is famously remembered for his contributions to the field of physics.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Nowadays you can be famous for nothing.

Independent

To be famous for doing something good.

The Guardian - Music

He thought he'd be famous for baseball.

The Guardian

The Mormons used to be famous for their polygamy.

The Economist

McSorley used to be famous for its cats, too.

The New Yorker

LOUISIANA used to be famous for its colourful, populist Democrats.

The Economist

"If you're going to be famous for something, be famous for being an author, because it's pretty mellow".

The New York Times - Books

In the future everyone will be famous for six seconds.

The Guardian - Tech

It's not exactly what you want to be famous for".

The New York Times

In the future, everyone can be famous for six seconds.

The Guardian - Tech

But not to be famous for its own sake.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be famous for", ensure that the reason for fame is clearly stated to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "Marie Curie is famous for her pioneering research on radioactivity".

Common error

Avoid using "be famous for" without specifying what the subject is known for. Saying "He is famous" lacks informative value. Instead, clarify the reason: "He is famous for his groundbreaking inventions".

How to use

Learn how to use "be famous for" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be famous for" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to its reason for fame or recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing the reasons behind someone or something's widespread recognition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be famous for" is a grammatically correct and widely used way to express the reason for someone or something's fame. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is sound across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While "be famous for" is suitable for most situations, alternative phrases like "be known for" or "be recognized for" can provide subtle differences in meaning. Remember to clearly state the reason for fame to avoid vagueness. The frequency of this expression is very high, so feel confident when using it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be known for

Emphasizes general recognition rather than widespread fame.

be recognized for

Highlights acknowledgement of a specific quality or achievement.

be celebrated for

Suggests a more positive and laudatory form of recognition.

be noted for

Indicates that something is worthy of attention or mention.

be renowned for

Implies widespread admiration and respect.

be distinguished for

Highlights exceptional qualities that set someone or something apart.

be remembered for

Focuses on lasting impact and legacy.

gain fame for

Focuses on the process of becoming famous.

achieve notoriety for

Suggests fame for negative or controversial reasons.

earn recognition for

Emphasizes effort and accomplishment leading to recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "be famous for" in a sentence?

Use "be famous for" to indicate the reason someone or something is well-known. For example, "Italy is "famous for" its delicious cuisine and historical landmarks".

What are some alternatives to "be famous for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be known for", "be recognized for", or "be celebrated for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be famous for" or "become famous for"?

"Be famous for" describes a current state of recognition, while "become famous for" describes the process of achieving that recognition. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "be famous for" and "be infamous for"?

"Be famous for" implies positive or neutral recognition, whereas "be infamous for" suggests notoriety due to negative or scandalous actions.