to be known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be known" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as: 1. As a subject complement after the linking verb "to be": - He is known for his kind heart. - Their wedding anniversary was known to the whole neighborhood. 2. As an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention: - I strive to be known as a reliable employee. - She wants to be known as a successful author. 3. As part of a prepositional phrase: - The painting is known to have been created in the 16th century. - He is known as the best chef in town. Example sentence: Her talent and skills have allowed her to be known as a top-notch lawyer in the legal community.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not to be known.

The New York Times

To be known, Jong added.

The New Yorker

More had to be known, of course.

The New York Times - Science

"Usually, a hipster wants to be known".

The New York Times

This used to be known as "spoiling".

The New Yorker

I have to be known.

The New York Times

It deserves to be known".

The New York Times - Tech

"We are not craving to be known.

The Guardian - Music

"I wanted to be known," she said.

The New York Times

I want to be known for tennis".

The New York Times - Sports

— to be known that way here".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be known" when you want to express a desire or necessity for something or someone to be recognized or understood in a particular way.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice with "to be known" if it obscures who is doing the knowing. Ensure the sentence structure clearly conveys the intended meaning and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "to be known" is to serve as an infinitive phrase in a passive construction, often expressing a desired state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and versatile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Huffington Post

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be known" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase often used to express a desire for recognition, understanding, or remembrance. As Ludwig AI validates, its versatility allows it to function effectively in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. When using "to be known", it's important to consider the context and ensure the sentence structure clearly conveys the intended meaning, avoiding ambiguity or misuse of passive voice. Related phrases such as "to be recognized" or "to become known" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with nuanced differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to become known

Focuses on the process of something or someone gaining recognition.

to be recognized

Emphasizes the act of being acknowledged for achievements or qualities.

to be identified

Highlights the act of being distinguished or singled out.

to be understood

Implies that comprehension is desired, not just simple recognition.

to be appreciated

Suggests a desire for gratitude and valuing of one's contributions.

to be discovered

Focuses on the act of something previously hidden being revealed.

to be revealed

Similar to discovered, but can also relate to unveiling of information.

to be seen

Emphasizes the act of being noticed or perceived, often visually.

to be acknowledged

Suggests a formal recognition of something or someone.

to be valued

Highlights being considered important or useful by others.

FAQs

How can I use "to be known" in a sentence?

You can use "to be known" to express a desire or a future state, such as, "She wants "to be known" for her accomplishments" or "The area is "to be known" as a historical landmark".

What is an alternative to "to be known"?

Alternatives to "to be known" include phrases like "to be recognized", "to be identified", or "to become known", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be known as" or "to be known for"?

The choice between "to be known as" and "to be known for" depends on the context. Use "to be known as" to describe a title or identity and "to be known for" to describe a specific attribute or accomplishment.

What does it mean when someone says they want "to be known"?

When someone expresses a desire "to be known", it typically means they want to be understood, recognized, and appreciated for their authentic self, skills, or contributions.