be popular for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be popular for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is widely liked or accepted. For example, "The new iPhone 11 is becoming popular for its advanced camera features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

You HAVE to be popular for this to work, so read some popularity how-to's to know what you need.

WikiHow

If you become popular, and be popular for a month or so, when you lose your popularity it'll be a smack to your face.

WikiHow

"This will be popular for short-term traders".

The New York Times

They must be popular for a reason, huh?

The Guardian

Blackbird seems to be popular for birthdays or post-work meet-ups.

The New York Times

This type seems to be popular for teachers to assign to students.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Prigov is popular for his comic readings.

The New Yorker

"They're popular for wine tastings".

The New York Times

The university grounds are popular for weddings.

The Guardian

So welfare cuts are popular – for now.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was popular for being down to earth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be popular for", ensure that the reason for popularity is clearly and directly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This band is popular", specify "This band is popular for their innovative sound".

Common error

Avoid using "be popular for" in overly broad statements without specific details. Saying something is "popular for its quality" is vague; instead, specify the aspects of the quality that make it popular, such as "popular for its durability and ease of use".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be popular for" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It attributes a characteristic of widespread appeal or liking to a subject, specifying the reason or attribute that contributes to its popularity. Ludwig confirms the acceptability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be popular for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for indicating the reasons behind something's widespread appeal. Ludwig confirms its correctness and utility across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal settings. While versatile, precision in specifying the reason for popularity enhances clarity. Alternatives like "be known for" and "be famous for" offer nuanced ways to express recognition. Understanding its function and context helps writers use "be popular for" effectively, avoiding vague generalizations and maximizing communicative impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be known for

Focuses on recognition rather than necessarily being liked; highlights specific qualities.

be famous for

Implies a higher degree of widespread recognition, often globally or historically.

be celebrated for

Suggests admiration and positive regard, emphasizing commendable attributes.

be well-regarded for

Highlights a generally positive opinion and respect within a specific community or field.

be recognized for

Focuses on acknowledgement and identification, often for specific achievements or traits.

gain popularity due to

Emphasizes the process of becoming popular and directly links it to a specific cause.

achieve prominence through

Suggests rising to a position of importance or fame due to certain actions or qualities.

stand out because of

Highlights unique characteristics that make something or someone noticeably different and appealing.

enjoy a reputation for

Focuses on the established perception and general opinion held about something or someone.

attract attention through

Emphasizes the act of drawing interest or notice, often for particular qualities or actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "be popular for" to describe the reason why something or someone is well-liked or widely accepted. For example, "This restaurant "is popular for" its authentic Italian cuisine".

What are some alternatives to "be popular for"?

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

Is it correct to say "is popular because of" instead of "be popular for"?

While "be popular because of" is grammatically correct, "be popular for" is often more concise and direct. Both can effectively convey the reason for popularity.

What's the difference between "be popular for" and "be known for"?

"Be popular for" implies widespread liking, whereas ""be known for"" simply means widely recognized, regardless of whether the recognition is positive or negative.