be notorious for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be notorious for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is well-known for a particular negative quality or action. Example: "The city is notorious for its high crime rate, which deters many tourists from visiting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Now I want to be notorious for good," he said.

Independent

Five web vulnerability variables known to be notorious for web attacks were purposively investigated.

Government Information Quarterly

Big Brazilian companies used to be notorious for abusing shareholders with minority stakes.

The Economist

BMW used to be notorious for this, but it is no longer the worst offender.

Independent

Mr Murdoch used to be notorious for pouncing on the biggest, grandest assets without regard to value.

The Economist

His name was Mohamed Atta and he would soon be notorious for flying a hijacked jet into one of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Now he's notorious for being uxorious.

The New York Times

Cocaine is notorious for promoting violence.

The New Yorker

Indian courts are notorious for long delays.

The New York Times

Defence procurement is notorious for overruns.

The Economist

The north-east is notorious for corruption.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be notorious for", ensure the context clearly indicates the negative aspect or quality being described. This helps avoid any ambiguity or misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "be notorious for" when describing positive attributes. This phrase specifically indicates a negative reputation, so using it in a positive context can create confusion or sound ironic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be notorious for" functions as a predicate adjective construction. It describes a subject by attributing a well-known, typically negative, characteristic or reputation to it. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts to highlight negative traits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Unknown/unmatched sources

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be notorious for" is a phrase used to describe someone or something widely known for a negative attribute or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly News & Media. To ensure clarity, use it only when referring to negative aspects. While alternatives like "be infamous for" can be used, "be notorious for" directly indicates a widely-known, undesirable characteristic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be infamous for

Emphasizes the quality of being widely and unfavorably known.

be ill-famed for

Highlights negative fame or recognition.

have a bad reputation for

Focuses specifically on having a negative reputation.

be disreputable for

Stresses a lack of respectability or trustworthiness.

gain notoriety for

Highlights the process of becoming known for something negative.

be well-known for (negative)

This is a general expression that highlights a negative reputation.

be known for (negative)

Implies awareness of something typically undesirable but is less strong.

be recognized for (negative)

Highlights the widespread acknowledgment of a negative trait.

carry a stigma for

Indicates the association with shame or disapproval.

be marked by (negative)

Emphasizes a defining, undesirable characteristic.

FAQs

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

Use "be notorious for" to describe someone or something that is widely known for a negative quality or action. For example, "The company is notorious for its poor customer service."

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

You can use alternatives like "be infamous for", "have a bad reputation for", or "be ill-famed for depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was notorious for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can use "was notorious for" to describe something or someone that had a negative reputation in the past. For instance, "The restaurant was notorious for its unsanitary conditions before the new management took over."

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

"Be famous for" generally refers to being well-known for positive achievements or qualities, while "be notorious for" refers to being well-known for negative or undesirable traits.