famous

USAGE SUMMARY

"famous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something that is widely known and spoken of, either for good or bad reasons. Example sentence: John became famous for his philanthropic work in the community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Susa group (made famous in the film Gorillas in the Mist) recently split, which means the creation of a new, independent gorilla family group in the Mt Karisimbi area looks likely.

The Guardian - Travel

The famous Seated Male Nude (1910) is a case in point.

The Guardian - Arts

Georges-Eugène Haussmann had just spiced up Paris with his famous boulevards, and Amsterdam wanted in on the action.

The Guardian - Travel

He asked Belmondo and Seberg to come for a quick walk down a quieter stretch of the avenue away from the crowds, getting his famous shot of them ambling along chatting.

The Guardian - Arts

The crucial difference is that with Hamlet I felt it was important to be provocative because the play is so famous it is inert.

The Guardian

thepalmsnegril.com, double rooms from $80 a night plus taxes The rocky stretch of Negril known as the West End became a mecca for hippies in the 1960s, and Banana Shout evokes the best of the old bohemian spirit, perched on the edge of the cliffs right next door to Rick's Cafe, the famous sunset diving spot.

The Guardian - Travel

Anka also attended a famous performance of Verdi's Requiem, conducted by Rafael Schächter and accompanied by him on a harmonium.

The Guardian - Music

She compared their evolutionary radiations – or how species adapt to and fill ecological niches – to famous examples like Darwin's finches in the Galapagos or the cichlids of East Africa's lakes.

The Guardian

The Berliner Ensemble will bring its radical version of Beckett's most famous play, Waiting for Godot, the last production created by George Tabori before his death in 2007.

The Guardian

While the practice has mainly been restricted to finishing off performances of actors who died midway through filming – such as Paul Walker in Fast and Furious 7 – it has also been utilised by advertisers, keen to attach famous faces to their brands.

The Guardian

0845 026 4585; realmorocco.com 6. Taroudant In the Souss Valley in the High Atlas, Taroudant is a pretty place famous for its pink houses and fortified walls.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is needed, consider alternatives like "renowned" or "celebrated" to specify the nature of the fame, whether for positive achievements or notoriety. These alternatives offer more nuanced descriptions than the general term "famous".

Common error

In formal academic or professional writing, avoid overusing "famous". Opt for more precise terms like "renowned", "distinguished", or "well-known" to convey a more nuanced understanding of the subject's recognition.

Linguistic Context

The word "famous" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that they are widely known or recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "famous" is a common adjective used to describe something or someone widely recognized. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. While highly frequent in News & Media, precise alternatives such as "renowned" or "celebrated" might be more appropriate in formal contexts. When precision is needed, consider alternatives like renowned or celebrated to specify the nature of the fame, whether for positive achievements or notoriety. These alternatives offer more nuanced descriptions than the general term "famous".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-known

Emphasizes broad familiarity or recognition; less intense than "famous".

renowned

Highlights respected and esteemed recognition, often in a specific field.

celebrated

Focuses on admiration and public praise.

notable

Indicates worthiness of attention or remembrance.

prominent

Suggests importance and a leading position.

distinguished

Implies excellence and high standing.

acclaimed

Highlights enthusiastic approval and praise.

legendary

Suggests historical importance and widespread admiration.

infamous

Implies being famous for negative reasons or actions.

of note

A more formal way of indicating something significant or worthy of attention.

FAQs

How to use "famous" in a sentence?

You can use "famous" to describe someone or something widely known, for example: "The Mona Lisa is a "famous" painting."

What can I say instead of "famous"?

You can use alternatives like "well-known", "renowned", or "celebrated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "famous" or "infamous"?

"Famous" generally implies positive recognition, while "infamous" describes being well-known for negative reasons. The correct choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "famous" and "popular"?

"Famous" indicates wide recognition, while "popular" suggests being liked by many. Someone can be "famous" without being "popular", and vice versa.