famous to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "famous to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something is well-known or recognized by a particular group of people or in a specific context. Example: "The artist is famous to the local community for her vibrant murals that adorn the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

She was famous to club kids".

The New York Times

And pretty darn famous to boot.

The Guardian - Sport

Being famous to this degree sounds like a nightmare.

The New York Times

From the world famous to the barely known.

Independent

Consider the famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy.

The New York Times

I ask them why Darin felt so "famous" to them.

The Guardian - Books

I'm bald – and too famous to get a hair transplant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You go from being really famous to not that famous.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The shape of my body is famous       to her.

The Guardian - Books

"Wilson would have to become much more famous to make it".

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought, this is crazy, Pacanow is famous to every Pole".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "famous to", ensure that you clearly define the group or context to which the subject is famous. For example, "the band is famous to fans of indie rock" provides clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "famous to" without specifying who the subject is famous to. Saying simply "he is famous" is more appropriate if the fame is general, whereas "he is famous to the local community" is specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "famous to" acts as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by specifying the group or context in which someone or something is well-known. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "famous to" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates recognition or renown within a specific group or context. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively specifies the scope of fame, making it distinct from general fame. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the target audience or group. While alternatives like "well-known by" exist, "famous to" provides a unique emphasis on the limited reach of the fame. Its prevalence in news and media outlets further validates its widespread acceptance and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

renowned among

Emphasizes widespread recognition among a particular group.

well-known by

Highlights familiarity within a specific group, suggesting recognition and knowledge.

recognized by

Focuses on the act of being acknowledged or identified within a particular sphere.

celebrated among

Indicates high regard and acclaim within a specific community or field.

popular with

Suggests widespread approval and enjoyment among a specific group.

noted by

Implies observation and acknowledgment by a particular group.

regarded by

Focuses on the specific opinion or assessment of a particular group.

famed within

Highlights renown and acclaim within a certain area.

esteemed by

Emphasizes respect and high opinion from a specific group.

held in high regard by

This alternative emphasizes the high level of respect and esteem from a particular group.

FAQs

How can I use "famous to" in a sentence?

Use "famous to" to indicate recognition within a specific group. For example, "That restaurant is "famous to" food critics" means the restaurant is well-known among food critics.

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

"Famous" implies widespread recognition, while "famous to" indicates recognition within a specific group. One can be generally famous or just "famous to" a niche audience.

Can I use "well-known" instead of "famous to"?

Yes, "well-known" can often replace "famous to", but "famous to" emphasizes the scope of that recognition. For example, "He's well-known" versus "He's "famous to" historians".

Is it correct to say "famous by" instead of "famous to"?

No, "famous by" is not typically used to indicate recognition by a group. Instead, use "famous to" to specify the group that recognizes the subject.