chiefly known for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly known for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the primary or most notable characteristic or reputation of a person, place, or thing. Example: "The city is chiefly known for its stunning architecture and vibrant arts scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The star is Jean Dujardin, chiefly known for his spy-spoof comedies.

The Guardian - Film

When Connery grew his achievement beard, in 1975, he was chiefly known for action films, including "Zardoz".

The New Yorker

A decade after Ruth Reichl awarded it three stars in these pages, Veritas was chiefly known for being expensive.

The New York Times - Food

Though chiefly known for his works on sex, Comfort was a prolific author, writing on a diverse range of subjects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Atlanta-based independent record label Dust-to-Digital is chiefly known, for better and for worse, for its 2003 gospel box set "Goodbye, Babylon".

The New Yorker

Sargent is chiefly known for his lavishly elegant society portraits, like the famous "Madame X" (1884), now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The stunningly beautiful Himalayan country is chiefly known overseas for being home to Everest, the world's highest peak.

The Guardian

Although in his early days van Eeden was chiefly known outside his own country for his idealistic social theories, his fame is based on his literary work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his youth, in the 1970's, Mr. Chapman, who is 50, was a member of the Texas chapter of the Devil's Disciples, a motorcycle gang chiefly known, according to law enforcement officials, for its prodigious sales and consumption of methamphetamine.

The New York Times - Style

The two works for which he is chiefly known, Les Provinciales and the Pensées, date from the years of his life spent at Port-Royal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She's chiefly known as a visual artist but will be roaming in an unfamiliar zone for the show.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chiefly known for" to concisely highlight the most prominent aspect or reputation of a subject. For example, "The author is "chiefly known for" her historical novels."

Common error

Avoid diluting the impact of "chiefly known for" by adding excessive minor details. Focus solely on the subject's most recognizable attribute. For example, instead of "He's "chiefly known for" his research, but also his teaching and public speaking", stick to the primary achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly known for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, highlighting the primary reason why someone or something is recognized. It serves to specify the most important or defining characteristic. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Arts

4%

Lifestyle

4%

Sport

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chiefly known for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase used to highlight the primary attribute of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It functions to inform and emphasize, is generally neutral in register but leans towards formality, and frequently appears in News & Media and Encyclopedias. For alternatives, consider phrases like "primarily recognized for" or "mainly famous for". When using "chiefly known for", focus on the most recognizable aspect to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily recognized for

Focuses on recognition as the main attribute, similar to being known.

mainly famous for

Replaces "known" with "famous", implying widespread recognition.

largely distinguished by

Highlights distinctiveness as the main characteristic.

predominantly associated with

Emphasizes association as the key identifier.

noted especially for

Indicates a particular area of notability.

most recognized for

Highlights strongest recognition.

best known as

Slight shift in focus to how someone or something is best perceived.

principally recognized as

Indicates a more formal tone, similar to primarily.

widely acknowledged for

Focuses on broader acknowledgement.

generally remembered for

Emphasizes lasting memory or reputation.

FAQs

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

Use "chiefly known for" to emphasize the most significant or recognized quality of a person, place, or thing. For example: "The artist is "chiefly known for" his landscape paintings."

What are some alternatives to "chiefly known for"?

You can use alternatives such as "primarily recognized for", "mainly famous for", or "best known as" depending on the context.

Is it formal or informal to use "chiefly known for"?

"Chiefly known for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "principally recognized as" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "chiefly known for" and "widely recognized for"?

"Chiefly known for" highlights the primary reason for recognition, while "widely recognized for" emphasizes the breadth of recognition. The former focuses on the main attribute, and the latter focuses on popularity or common knowledge.