be infamous for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be infamous for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is well-known for negative reasons or actions. Example: "The city is infamous for its high crime rate and corruption."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Gail: I live in a city that used to be infamous for its crime rate.

The New York Times

The Luxor corniche used to be infamous for its boat touts and calèche drivers pestering any visitor who went out for a walk.

The Guardian - Travel

Thereafter, the audience feel sympathetic, right until the moment when she says: 'I must kill the children.' It's not surprising she's infamous for killing them – but we should be infamous for agreeing to it".

The Guardian

And I'll buy some shoes". After a change in the rules, this was the first time since 1991 that artists over the age of 50 were eligible for the prize, which used to be infamous for rewarding outrageous YBAs [Young British Artists].

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The country is infamous for natural disasters.

The New York Times

Rats are infamous for passing diseases.

The Economist

The Taliban was infamous for stealing aid.

The New York Times

Northeastern skiing is infamous for its ice.

The New Yorker

Margiela is infamous for his anonymity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The tram is infamous for cycling injuries.

The Guardian

But Italy is infamous for its labyrinthine bureaucracy.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be infamous for", ensure the context clearly indicates the negative aspect. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the reason for the infamy.

Common error

While acceptable, "be infamous for" can sometimes sound sensational or informal in academic or business writing. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "be known for (negative trait)" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be infamous for" functions as a verb phrase that attributes a negative quality or action to a subject. It's used to highlight that someone or something is widely known because of undesirable traits. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be infamous for" is used to describe someone or something that is well-known for negative reasons or actions. While grammatically correct, as per Ludwig AI, its usage is somewhat uncommon but found primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure that the negative aspect is clear and that a more neutral alternative is not more appropriate, especially in formal writing. To avoid monotony, consider similar alternatives to "be infamous for" such as "be notorious for" or "be known for (negative trait)".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be notorious for

This alternative also suggests negative reputation but is more widely known and more interchangeable.

be infamous due to

Changes 'for' to 'due to', emphasizing the cause of the infamy.

be well-known for (negative attribute)

This is a more neutral way to express that someone or something is known for something negative, softening the negative connotation.

have a bad reputation for

This phrase focuses on the reputation aspect and implies a negative perception held by others.

be disreputable for

This suggests a loss of respect or honor due to certain actions or qualities.

gain infamy because of

Focuses on the process of becoming infamous, rather than the state of being infamous.

be remembered for (negative reason)

Highlights how someone or something will be recalled, specifically for a negative aspect.

be synonymous with (negative trait)

Implies a strong association, to the point where the subject is almost equivalent to the negative trait.

be held in low regard because of

This alternative is a formal expression that emphasizes the low opinion held by others.

be condemned for

Emphasizes a strong disapproval or judgment against someone or something.

FAQs

What does "be infamous for" mean?

The phrase "be infamous for" means to be well-known for something negative or bad. It implies a strong negative reputation.

What can I say instead of "be infamous for"?

You can use alternatives like "be notorious for", "have a bad reputation for", or "be well-known for" (with a negative attribute).

How do I use "be infamous for" in a sentence?

Use "be infamous for" when you want to highlight the negative reputation of someone or something. For example, "The politician is infamous for his corruption scandals."

Is "infamous" the same as "famous"?

No, "infamous" is the opposite of "famous". While "famous" means well-known and admired, "infamous" means well-known for negative or scandalous reasons.