is notorious for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is notorious for" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something is widely known for something, usually something negative. For example, "The city is notorious for its high crime rate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cocaine is notorious for promoting violence.

The New Yorker

Defence procurement is notorious for overruns.

The Economist

The north-east is notorious for corruption.

The Economist

BEIJING — China is notorious for its knockoffs.

The New York Times

Nairobi is notorious for crime.

The Guardian - Books

"Tesla is notorious for performance.

The New York Times - Science

Wuhan is notorious for hot, humid summers.

The New Yorker

Japan is notorious for trade barriers.

The New York Times

Moresby is notorious for "rascals," or thugs.

The New York Times - Travel

China is notorious for unsafe workplaces.

The New York Times

The border area is notorious for smuggling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is notorious for", ensure that the context clearly establishes the negative aspect. Use credible sources or evidence to support the claim to avoid unsubstantiated accusations.

Common error

While "is notorious for" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound sensationalist or biased. Opt for more neutral phrasing like "is known for" or "has a reputation for" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is notorious for" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is widely known, typically for something negative. This usage is supported by Ludwig, highlighting its common application in describing unfavorable reputations or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is notorious for" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something widely known for negative reasons. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as wiki and scientific publications. While effective, consider the context and audience to ensure the tone aligns with your writing goals. Alternatives like "is infamous for" or "has a bad reputation for" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Be mindful of overuse in formal writing, opting for more neutral phrasings where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is infamous for

Replaces 'notorious' with 'infamous', emphasizing a strong negative reputation.

is ill-famed for

A more formal and less common synonym for 'notorious'.

is infamous because of

Changes the structure to include 'because of', which can clarify the reason for the negative reputation.

is disreputable for

Emphasizes a lack of respectability or honor.

has a bad reputation for

Uses a more common phrasing to convey a negative public perception.

is negatively known for

Directly states that the knowledge is negative.

is condemned for

Indicates a stronger level of disapproval or censure.

is tainted by

Indicates that something's reputation has been damaged.

is well-known for

A more neutral alternative, indicating widespread recognition without the negative connotation inherent in 'notorious'.

is recognized for

A neutral alternative emphasizing recognition but lacking the negative nuance.

FAQs

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

Use "is notorious for" to indicate that someone or something is widely and unfavorably known for a particular quality or action. For instance, "The neighborhood "is notorious for" its high crime rate".

What are some alternatives to "is notorious for"?

Alternatives include "is infamous for", "has a bad reputation for", or "is ill-famed for", which vary in formality and intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "is notorious for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is notorious for" might be too strong for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral phrases like "is known for" or "has a reputation for" to maintain a balanced tone.

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

"Is notorious for" implies negative widespread recognition, while "is famous for" indicates positive or neutral widespread recognition. The key difference lies in the connotation.