is well known for

USAGE SUMMARY

"is well known for" is a correct and useful phrase in written English.
You can use it to talk about something that is famous or widely known for something specific. For example, "New York City is well known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Beijing is well known for its caution.

The New York Times

It is well known for its hams.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bucharest is well known for its casinos.

The Guardian - Travel

He is well known for keeping long hours.

The New York Times

Hawking is well known for making bets with other scientists.

The Guardian

Oxo is well known for its ergonomically designed kitchen utensils.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Dacre is well-known for his computer know-how.

The Guardian

The Netherlands is well-known for spending more on cyclists.

BBC

It is well-known for its scepticism of such victims.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. McElligott is well-known for producing witty print ads.

The New York Times

Mr Beatty is well-known for his interest in politics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is well known for" to highlight the most prominent or recognizable characteristic of a subject. For instance, "Italy is well known for its delicious pasta and rich cultural history."

Common error

While "is well known for" is a useful phrase, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is famous for", "is recognized for", or rephrasing the sentence to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is well known for" functions as a linking verb phrase connecting a subject to a predicate adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its role in attributing a quality or characteristic for which the subject is widely recognized. Examples show its usage in describing places, people, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is well known for" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the most recognizable quality or characteristic of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is often employed to provide information or highlight prominent features. As demonstrated by the examples, it appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and wiki entries, making it suitable for neutral and informative contexts.

While highly versatile, it is best practice to avoid overuse and consider synonyms such as "is famous for", "is recognized for", or "is renowned for" to maintain variety in your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively leverage "is well known for" to communicate clearly and engagingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is famous for

Replaces "well known" with "famous", implying a higher degree of renown.

is recognized for

Emphasizes acknowledgment and acceptance of a particular quality or achievement.

is widely recognized for

Emphasizes the broad extent of acknowledgement.

is noted for

Highlights a specific attribute that is particularly remarkable or worthy of attention.

is renowned for

Suggests a reputation of high esteem and respect.

is celebrated for

Implies widespread public praise and admiration.

is distinguished for

Indicates a unique characteristic that sets something apart.

is acclaimed for

Highlights positive critical reception and public approval.

is reputed for

Suggests a common belief or widespread opinion, which may or may not be entirely accurate.

is traditionally known for

Adds the dimension of historical or long-standing association.

FAQs

How can I use "is well known for" in a sentence?

The phrase "is well known for" is used to describe the most recognizable quality or characteristic of someone or something. For example, "Paris "is well known for" its romantic ambiance and iconic landmarks."

What are some alternatives to "is well known for"?

You can use phrases like "is famous for", "is renowned for", or "is recognized for" as alternatives to "is well known for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is known for" and "is well known for"?

While both phrases are similar, "is well known for" implies a greater degree of familiarity or fame compared to "is known for". The addition of "well" emphasizes the widespread recognition.

Can "is well known for" be used for negative attributes?

Yes, "is well known for" can be used to describe negative attributes, though it's more commonly used for positive ones. For example, "That politician "is well known for" his controversial statements."