make famous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make famous" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of causing someone or something to become well-known or celebrated. An example is: "The artist's unique style helped to make her famous." Alternative expressions include "bring to fame," "render famous," and "establish as famous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

You decide which one to make famous.

The New York Times - Magazine

He works hard to make "famous" seem normal.

The Guardian - Books

They will pour out some liquor for the event they helped make famous and vice versa.

The New York Times - Sports

He wrote Where Have All the Flowers Gone? and helped make famous We Shall Overcome.

The Guardian - Music

But you can, of course, still stroll through the neighborhoods that he helped make famous.

The New York Times - Travel

Even Joyce would be perplexed by the appearance of a city he helped make famous.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mentions some dances he made famous.

The New Yorker

April, made famous by T. S. Eliot and Count Basie.

The New Yorker

He made famous the "shave and a hair cut" rhythm.

Independent

Egyptians made famous street poetry that reflected their incomparable wit.

The New York Times

Mayweather briefly dropped the cocky persona he made famous.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make famous", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. If you want to emphasize a sudden rise to fame, alternatives like "catapult to stardom" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be aware that while "make famous" is generally positive, related terms like "gain notoriety" can carry negative connotations. Choose your words carefully to accurately reflect the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "make famous" is a verb phrase acting as a transitive verb with an adjective complement. It describes the act of causing someone or something to achieve fame. The Ludwig examples provided showcase its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make famous" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a verb phrase describing the act of causing someone or something to become widely known. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for various communication styles. When choosing to use "make famous", consider the alternatives provided, such as "popularize" or "bring into the limelight", to ensure the most accurate and impactful expression of your intended meaning. Being aware of potential connotations, as pointed out in the writing guidance, is also crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make well-known

A more literal and straightforward alternative, lacking the flair of "make famous".

popularize

This alternative uses a single verb to convey the action of making something well-liked and widely known.

bring into the limelight

This phrase suggests a more dramatic and public form of achieving fame or recognition.

catapult to stardom

This alternative implies a sudden and rapid rise to fame, often associated with the entertainment industry.

elevate to prominence

This option focuses on raising someone's status or importance in a particular field or area.

establish reputation

This alternative highlights the building of a solid and respected name or image over time.

achieve recognition

This emphasizes the act of receiving acknowledgement or credit for something.

gain notoriety

While similar, this phrase can sometimes imply fame achieved through negative or controversial means.

build a name for oneself

This alternative focuses on the effort and personal agency involved in becoming famous.

immortalize

This implies making someone or something famous for a very long time, potentially forever.

FAQs

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

You can use "make famous" to describe the action of causing someone or something to become well-known. For example, "His invention helped to make the company famous."

What's a good substitute for "make famous"?

Alternatives include "popularize", "bring into the limelight", or "catapult to stardom", depending on the context.

Is "make famous" the same as "become famous"?

"Make famous" implies an external force causing fame, while "become famous" suggests an internal process or inherent quality leading to fame. They are related but not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "make famous" and "gain notoriety"?

"Make famous" generally implies positive recognition, while "gain notoriety" often suggests fame achieved through negative or controversial actions.