became known for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became known for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something or someone is well-known or widely recognized for a certain attribute or quality. For example: Mozart became known for his genius in music composition.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I became known for masks.

The New York Times

He became known for breaking tackles.

The New York Times - Sports

I became known for being quite cutting".

The New York Times

Schmitt became known for mangling face masks.

The New York Times - Sports

Bök became known for constraint-based writing.

The New Yorker

He became known for placing flowers everywhere.

The New York Times

The tavern became known for the torte.

The New York Times

Afterward, he became known for designing houses.

The New York Times

WTBS became known for its innovative programming.

MIT Technology Review

The company also became known for taking a hard line.

The Washington Post

There, he became known for his leftist leanings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became known for" to highlight a specific attribute or achievement that has led to recognition. For example, "The company became known for its innovative designs" showcases a positive aspect that defined its reputation.

Common error

Avoid using "became known for" when you want to describe an inherent quality rather than an acquired reputation. For example, instead of saying "He became known for being tall", which implies he wasn't always known for it, simply state "He is tall".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became known for" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject with a description of what they are recognized or famous for. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. It's often followed by a noun phrase or a gerund phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

11%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became known for" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe how someone or something gained recognition for a particular quality or achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for a wide range of contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure you are highlighting the process of gaining recognition over time. Alternatives such as "gained recognition for" or "established a reputation for" can offer nuanced variations in meaning, providing writers with tools to precisely convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gained recognition for

Focuses on the act of gaining recognition, emphasizing the process rather than the state of being known.

established a reputation for

Highlights the building of a reputation over time, implying a more deliberate or gradual process.

acquired fame for

Implies widespread recognition and often relates to achievement or notoriety.

distinguished oneself by

Emphasizes individual achievement and setting oneself apart from others.

made a name for oneself through

Highlights the act of creating a positive reputation through specific actions or qualities.

became renowned for

Suggests a higher degree of fame and respect, often associated with exceptional talent or skill.

was celebrated for

Focuses on the positive recognition and praise received for particular accomplishments or qualities.

was recognized as

Highlights formal acknowledgement or identification of someone or something with a specific attribute.

developed a name for

Similar to establishing a reputation, but slightly less formal and emphasizes gradual development.

rose to prominence due to

Focuses on the ascent to a position of influence or widespread recognition because of particular attributes or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "became known for" in a sentence?

Use "became known for" to describe the reason why someone or something is famous or recognized. For instance, "Marie Curie became known for her pioneering research on radioactivity".

What are some alternatives to "became known for"?

You can use alternatives like "gained recognition for", "established a reputation for", or "acquired fame for" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "became known for" and "was known for"?

"Became known for" suggests a change over time, indicating that the subject gained recognition for something. "Was known for" implies a more static, long-standing reputation. Use "became known for" when highlighting the process of gaining recognition.

Can "became known for" be used in a negative context?

Yes, "became known for" can be used to describe negative attributes or events. For example, "The politician became known for his controversial remarks".