be liked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be liked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the reasons or qualities that make someone or something appealing or admirable to others. Example: "She wants to be liked for her intelligence and creativity, not just her looks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Because it means you're willing to not be liked for a period of time.

The New Yorker

We don't own our ambition because we fear we won't be liked for it – and research says we won't be.

The Guardian - Money

It's the joy of writing music that keeps me going rather than the desire to be liked for what I do.

The Guardian - Music

Let the motivational guru who counseled Bill teach you the secret of self-acceptance: "As long as you've got money, why not be liked for it?" "It Takes a Village".

The New York Times

In his new political biography of Mr. Blair, Philip Stevens, the political columnist of The Financial Times, said one of the most frequent misjudgments of Mr. Blair had been "to mistake an eagerness to be liked for an unwillingness to make hard decisions".

The New York Times

This was not considered so much of a drawback elsewhere: among Marxists, Zola was seen as an important critic of bourgeois society and a precursor of Socialist Realism - which merely helped to reinforce the feeling among English critics that he could only be liked for the wrong reasons.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Being liked for being compliant is wrong.

Huffington Post

But what can life be like for them?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Consider what will the event be like for spectators?

WikiHow

He'd been like, For you, grandpa.

The New Yorker

"I was like: 'For what?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be liked for" to emphasize that affection or positive regard is based on specific qualities or actions, rather than general impressions.

Common error

Avoid using "be liked for" when the intention is to convey respect or admiration based on achievements rather than personal connection. Use "be respected for" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be liked for" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the reasons or qualities for which someone or something receives positive regard. Ludwig examples show its use in expressing a desire for genuine appreciation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be liked for" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the reasons behind someone's positive reception. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It emphasizes the importance of genuine connection and acceptance, based on intrinsic qualities rather than superficial traits. While "be liked for" is generally neutral, alternatives like "be valued for" may suit more formal contexts. Common errors include confusing "be liked for" with respect, where "be admired for" might be more appropriate. Prominent sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, affirming its relevance across diverse written and spoken scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be valued for

Focuses on the worth or importance attributed to someone or something.

be appreciated for

Highlights the recognition and gratitude for someone's qualities or actions.

be admired for

Emphasizes respect and high regard for particular attributes.

be respected for

Stresses the esteem and consideration given to someone or something.

be recognized for

Highlights the acknowledgement and awareness of someone's qualities.

be known for

Focuses on the fame or reputation associated with certain traits.

gain approval for

Implies that a person earns support or validation because of something.

earn praise for

Highlights the act of receiving commendation or accolades.

win favor for

Indicates the achievement of gaining positive regard or support.

be well-regarded for

Emphasizes the positive reputation someone has based on their characteristics.

FAQs

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

You can use "be liked for" to describe the reasons why someone is well-regarded. For instance, "She wants to "be liked for" her intelligence and creativity, not just her looks."

What's a more formal alternative to "be liked for"?

A more formal alternative is "be valued for", which suggests a deeper sense of worth and appreciation.

Is it better to "be liked for" who you are or to pretend to be someone else?

As the examples show, it's generally better to "be liked for" who you truly are than to "be liked for" pretending to be someone else.

What's the difference between "be liked for" and "be admired for"?

"Be liked for" suggests affection and personal connection, while "be admired for" implies respect and high regard, often based on achievements or qualities.