has a reputation for

USAGE SUMMARY

"has a reputation for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that someone or something is well-known or established for having some particular attribute or quality. Example: The small town has a reputation for being very friendly and welcoming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has a reputation for shrewdness.

The Economist

He has a reputation for personal probity.

The Economist

Mr Afriyie has a reputation for overreaching.

The Economist

Mr Suharto has a reputation for violence.

The Economist

He has a reputation for efficiency.

The Economist

Liam has a reputation for being unpredictable.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Jones has a reputation for strong management.

The New York Times

Ejiofor has a reputation for this: intensity.

The Guardian

It has a reputation for intense cold.

The Guardian - Travel

"She has a reputation for being tough.

The Guardian - Film

He hardly has a reputation for verbosity.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a reputation for" when you want to convey a widely held belief or perception about someone or something. For instance, "The restaurant has a reputation for its excellent service" indicates that many people believe the restaurant provides excellent service.

Common error

Avoid using "has a reputation for" when expressing a personal opinion rather than a generally held belief. Instead of saying "I think this movie has a reputation for being boring", which sounds awkward, state your own opinion directly: "I find this movie boring."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a reputation for" functions as a descriptor, attributing a widely recognized quality or characteristic to a subject. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is commonly used to express established perceptions, as seen in examples like "He has a reputation for shrewdness".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has a reputation for" is a widely used phrase to indicate a commonly held belief or perception about someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase serves to inform audiences about established views. When using "has a reputation for", ensure it reflects a generally held belief rather than a personal opinion. Alternatives include "is known for" or "is famous for". The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is known for

Replaces "has a reputation for" with a more direct statement of being known for something.

is famous for

Indicates a widespread recognition, implying a higher degree of fame compared to a general reputation.

is recognized for

Emphasizes acknowledgment and formal recognition of a specific trait or achievement.

is regarded as

Focuses on the opinion or view that people hold about someone or something.

is considered to be

Highlights the general perception or belief about a subject, similar to "is regarded as".

is perceived as

Focuses on how something is seen or understood, often implying a subjective viewpoint.

boasts a reputation for

Adds a sense of pride or positive assertion to the reputation.

carries a reputation for

Suggests that the reputation is something that accompanies or follows the subject.

is notorious for

Implies a negative reputation, often for something undesirable or infamous.

is infamous for

Similar to "is notorious for", denoting a very negative and widely known reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "has a reputation for" in a sentence?

Use "has a reputation for" to describe a generally known attribute of someone or something. For example, "This company "has a reputation for" innovation" means it's widely known for being innovative.

What are some alternatives to "has a reputation for"?

You can use phrases like "is known for", "is famous for", or "is recognized for" as alternatives to ""has a reputation for"" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "have a reputation for"?

Yes, but only when referring to plural subjects. For a singular subject, use ""has a reputation for"". For example, "They have a reputation for being reliable".

What's the difference between "has a reputation for" and "is known for"?

"Has a reputation for" implies a generally held belief, while "is known for" simply states a fact of being recognized. The difference is subtle, but ""has a reputation for"" suggests a broader consensus.