establish a reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "establish a reputation" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any context to describe when a person or group of people are actively working to create a good public standing for themselves. For example: Our company is working hard to establish a reputation for providing top-notch customer service.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Repealing the misguided 1991 rule change might help him establish a reputation as a reformer.

The New York Times

Or they can establish a reputation as a worthy opponent, as Verdell Smith has done.

The New York Times - Sports

But first she felt she needed to establish a reputation in the United States.

The New York Times - Arts

Darren recognises he will never match his father's record but hopes to establish a reputation by his own lights.

Independent

But Mr Zimmer says the rating system allows both sides to establish a reputation as friendly and trustworthy.

The Economist

We have an incentive to establish a reputation for niceness, so people will want to work with us.

The New York Times

Upon taking the helm of the Kirov in 1988, Gergiev began to establish a reputation for intensely personal performances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After working in London (1889 91), he went to Malvern, Worcestershire, and began to establish a reputation as a composer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So, paradoxically, it may now become even more important to establish a reputation as a winner beforehand.

The Economist

My logic is that a new school means you have to reinvent yourself and establish a reputation afresh.

The Guardian

Regular sellers can establish a reputation for reliable delivery and quality, through a rating and comment system based on the experience of customers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to highlight the deliberate effort involved in shaping public perception, use "establish a reputation" to emphasize the proactive steps taken.

Common error

Avoid using "establish a reputation" when the intention is simply to become well-known or liked. A reputation implies a judgment of character or quality, not just mere popularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a reputation" functions as a verb phrase where 'establish' is the main verb and 'a reputation' acts as its direct object. It describes the action of creating or building a specific public image. Examples on Ludwig show it being used to illustrate intentional efforts to build a certain standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "establish a reputation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression signifying the intentional act of building a specific public image. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is appropriate across diverse contexts, especially within news media, academia, and business. The phrase highlights proactive efforts to shape perception, distinguishing it from simply becoming known. While alternatives like "build a reputation" and "forge a reputation" exist, the choice depends on the nuances you wish to convey. Remember, establishing a reputation involves more than just popularity; it’s about cultivating a judgment of character or quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forge a reputation

Replaces "establish" with "forge", emphasizing the active and sometimes difficult process of building a reputation.

build a reputation

Uses "build" instead of "establish", highlighting the gradual construction of a reputation.

cultivate a reputation

Substitutes "establish" with "cultivate", suggesting a more nurtured and carefully managed development of a reputation.

develop a reputation

Replaces "establish" with "develop", focusing on the progressive evolution of a reputation over time.

create a reputation

Uses "create" instead of "establish", stressing the intentional act of forming a reputation.

gain a reputation

Shifts the focus to acquiring a reputation, rather than actively establishing it.

earn a reputation

Emphasizes that the reputation is deserved through actions or qualities.

secure a reputation

Implies that the reputation is being protected and made stable.

carve out a reputation

Highlights the effort and distinction involved in creating a unique reputation.

form a reputation

Similar to create a reputation but with slightly less emphasis on intention.

FAQs

How can I use "establish a reputation" in a sentence?

You can use "establish a reputation" to describe actions taken to build a specific public image, such as: "The company worked hard to "establish a reputation" for innovation."

What are some alternatives to saying "establish a reputation"?

Alternatives include "build a reputation", "forge a reputation", or "develop a reputation", each with subtle differences in meaning.

Is it better to "establish a reputation" or "have a reputation"?

"Establish a reputation" refers to the process of creating one, while "have a reputation" refers to the state of possessing an existing reputation. The choice depends on whether you're describing an action or a condition.

What kind of reputation can someone "establish"?

One can "establish a reputation" for anything from honesty and reliability to innovation and leadership, depending on their actions and qualities.