is infamous for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is infamous for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is well-known for negative reasons or actions. Example: "The city is infamous for its high crime rates and poor public services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The country is infamous for natural disasters.

The New York Times

Northeastern skiing is infamous for its ice.

The New Yorker

The tram is infamous for cycling injuries.

The Guardian

Margiela is infamous for his anonymity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Italy is infamous for its labyrinthine bureaucracy.

The New York Times - Food

Waiamea Bay is infamous for its deathly strong waves.

The Guardian - Sport

France, on the other hand, is infamous for looking back.

The New York Times - Arts

Florida is infamous for its weird news stories.

The Guardian

ReprintsThe AUC is infamous for slaughtering peasants it suspects of sympathising with the guerrillas.

The Economist

Insein prison, Rangoon's colonial era jail, is infamous for its conditions.

Independent

The N.C.A.A. is infamous for having meetings about subcommittees and subcommittees about meetings.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the reason for the infamy is clearly stated and supported by evidence. Avoid using the phrase loosely, as it implies a well-established negative reputation.

Common error

Avoid using "is infamous for" when the subject's negative reputation is not widely known or well-documented. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility. Instead, opt for phrases like "is known for" or "has a reputation for" when the level of notoriety is not as severe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is infamous for" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase followed by a prepositional phrase. It attributes a quality of widespread negative recognition or notoriety to the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correct structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Is infamous for" is a widely used phrase that highlights a subject's negative reputation. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to inform and caution, emphasizing negative attributes or actions. While alternatives like "is notorious for" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance and context. When using this phrase, ensure the negative reputation is well-established and supported to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is notorious for

Implies a strong sense of public knowledge of something negative, often with a hint of disapproval. Similar to "is infamous for" but slightly stronger.

is well-known for its negative reputation

More descriptive and less concise than "is infamous for", explicitly stating the negative aspect of the reputation.

has a bad reputation for

Focuses on the overall negative perception, rather than specific incidents or qualities.

is discredited by

Suggests a loss of credibility due to certain actions or characteristics. More accusatory than "is infamous for".

is tainted by

Implies that something has been spoiled or damaged by a negative association. It emphasizes the impact of the negative aspect.

is disgraced by

Suggests a loss of honor or respect due to a specific action or event, often more serious than being infamous.

is condemned for

Indicates strong disapproval and criticism, often from an official authority or public opinion.

is blamed for

Attributes responsibility for something negative, which may or may not be widely known.

is impugned for

Indicates that someone's character or motives have been challenged or questioned, often in a formal setting.

is reproached for

Suggests mild criticism or disapproval, often delivered privately or gently. Less severe than "is infamous for".

FAQs

How can I use "is infamous for" in a sentence?

Use "is infamous for" to describe something or someone widely known for negative qualities or actions. For example, "The politician is infamous for his controversial statements."

What are some alternatives to "is infamous for"?

You can use alternatives such as "is notorious for", "has a bad reputation for", or "is well-known for its negative reputation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is infamous for" and "is famous for"?

"Is infamous for" denotes widespread negative recognition, while "is famous for" indicates widespread positive or neutral recognition. The key difference lies in the connotation; "infamous" implies notoriety, while "famous" implies acclaim.

When is it appropriate to use "is infamous for" instead of "is known for"?

Use "is infamous for" when the subject is widely recognized for negative reasons, scandals, or misdeeds. Use "is known for" when the recognition is more general and may not necessarily carry a negative connotation.