make a reputation

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a reputation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the process of gaining respect, recognition, and respect from others. For example, "She worked hard to make a reputation as a reliable and honest businessperson."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

I don't have to make a reputation for myself.

The New York Times - Sports

Revisionism has always been a way for an historian to make a reputation and a living.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Giaquinto maintained that Mr. Harris persisted to make a reputation for himself among the inmates.

The New York Times

PROFILE of Winthrop Ames who retired recently and left Boston for N.Y. to make a reputation as a producer.

The New Yorker

"One way not to make a reputation is to find a hole in the airdefense system," he would tell audiences.

The New Yorker

After attending Sandhurst, in the eighteen-nineties, Churchill set out to make a reputation as an imperial warrior.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And memories, after all, are what make a reputation--and ultimately career success.

HuffPost

He was making a reputation and a living.

The Economist

Steinbrenner made a reputation — and resuscitated a franchise — by gobbling up free agents.

The New York Times - Sports

He made a reputation in the Connecticut legislature for fine-tuning programs from its health committee.

The Washington Post

"She's made a reputation of having parties and being a socialite," he told us.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "make a reputation", focus on consistently demonstrating the qualities you want to be known for. Actions speak louder than words; let your work and behavior define your public image.

Common error

Ensure that your efforts to "make a reputation" are focused on positive and ethical conduct. Seeking attention through scandalous or unethical means may lead to notoriety, but it will damage your long-term reputation and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a reputation" functions as a verb phrase where "make" is the main verb and "a reputation" is the noun phrase acting as the direct object. It signifies the act of creating or establishing a specific standing or public image. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make a reputation" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of establishing a public image or standing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrases' validity and indicates its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "establish a reputation" and "build a name for oneself" exist, it's crucial to focus on genuine and ethical conduct, avoiding the confusion of notoriety with a positive reputation. Remember to let your actions speak louder than words, consistently demonstrating the qualities you want to be known for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

build a name for oneself

Focuses on establishing a personal identity or recognition.

establish a reputation

Highlights the act of firmly setting up a particular public image.

create a standing

Emphasizes building a recognized position or status.

carve out a niche

Suggests creating a specific and recognizable area of expertise or recognition.

gain recognition

Highlights the achievement of being recognized by others.

develop a profile

Focuses on creating a visible public image.

cultivate an image

Suggests a deliberate effort to shape public perception.

earn respect

Emphasizes gaining the positive regard of others.

achieve prominence

Highlights reaching a position of importance and visibility.

become well-known

Focuses on the process of gaining widespread familiarity.

FAQs

How can I use "make a reputation" in a sentence?

You can use "make a reputation" to describe someone establishing a public image. For example, "She worked hard to "build a reputation" as a trustworthy professional."

What's a good alternative to "make a reputation"?

Alternatives include "establish a reputation", which emphasizes solidifying an image, or "build a name for oneself", focusing on creating a personal identity.

Is it better to "make a reputation" or "have a reputation"?

"Make a reputation" describes the active process of building a public image, while "have a reputation" describes the state of already possessing one. Both are correct, but they describe different stages.

How does "make a reputation" differ from "gain notoriety"?

"Make a reputation" generally implies building a positive and respected public image through ethical means. "Gain notoriety", on the other hand, often suggests becoming widely known for negative or scandalous reasons.