were notable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were notable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight specific characteristics or achievements that stand out in a particular context. Example: "The researchers were notable for their groundbreaking work in renewable energy technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laboratory studies were notable for hypothyroidism.

Nature

Both goals were notable for the way the attacks crescendoed.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet the Carnegie concerts were notable for their restraint.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr. Erdogan's comments were notable for his explicit language.

The New York Times

These translations were notable for their sober and solemn musicality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These collections were notable for their historical, political, and economic materials relating to México and Perú.

Yale University

Mr. Brown's remarks Monday were notable for their emphasis on "Old Labor" values.

The New York Times

Many were notable for their quick, intricate and seemingly effortless footwork.

The New York Times

Mr. Paterson's remarks were notable for being peppered with wisecracking jokes.

The New York Times

The acceptance speeches were notable for their lack of controversy, to the point of blandness.

The Guardian - Film

They made Dowland's music available to a large audience and were notable for their innovative format.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were notable for" to draw attention to particular attributes or achievements that are worthy of recognition or interest.

Common error

Avoid using "were notable for" when a simpler, more direct description would suffice. For example, instead of "The flowers were notable for their red color", consider "The flowers were red."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were notable for" functions as a verb phrase used to highlight specific characteristics or achievements that made a subject stand out or worthy of attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and readily found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "were notable for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to highlight specific characteristics or accomplishments. As Ludwig AI confirms, its role is to emphasize remarkable qualities across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While alternatives like "were distinguished by" and "were remarkable for" exist, "were notable for" effectively draws attention to noteworthy aspects. Remember to use it judiciously and avoid overuse in simple descriptions for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were remarkable for

Emphasizes the extraordinary nature of certain attributes.

were outstanding for

Highlights exceptional qualities or performance.

were distinguished by

Focuses on unique qualities that set something apart.

were characterized by

Describes the defining features or traits.

were recognized for

Highlights achievements or qualities that gained acknowledgment.

were lauded for

Focuses on praise and commendation received.

were prominent because of

Indicates a strong presence or visibility due to specific reasons.

were significant due to

Indicates the importance or consequence of specific factors.

were celebrated for

Emphasizes widespread admiration or acclaim for certain qualities.

were famous for

Highlights widespread recognition and popularity.

FAQs

How can I use "were notable for" in a sentence?

Use "were notable for" to emphasize specific qualities or achievements that made something stand out. For example, "The experiments "were notable for" their innovative approach to data analysis."

What are some alternatives to "were notable for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "were distinguished by", "were remarkable for", or "were recognized for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "were notable for" or "was notable for"?

Use "were notable for" when referring to plural subjects or multiple attributes. Use "was notable for" when referring to a singular subject or single attribute.

What's the difference between "were notable for" and "were known for"?

"Were notable for" highlights specific aspects that are particularly noteworthy or remarkable, while "were known for" indicates general recognition or fame. For example, a scientist might be "were known for" their research, but their study might be ""were notable for"" its innovative methodology.