world famous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "world famous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is widely recognized and renowned. For example, "The Eiffel Tower is a world famous landmark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Some are world famous.

The New York Times - Sports

It's world famous.

The New York Times

The place should be world famous, somehow.

The New Yorker

Look for "world famous rice in casserole".

The New York Times

His "Pocket 34" is world famous — well, lacrosse-world famous.

The New Yorker

"I'm world famous".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I'm Internet famous, I'm not real-world famous.

Forbes

She would be a world-famous cryptozoologist.

The New Yorker

Carrickmacross lace production is world-famous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Married to a world-famous model.

The New York Times - Sports

Off his world-famous SPAMku web site.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "world famous" when describing entities with established, verifiable global recognition. Avoid exaggeration or hyperbole.

Common error

Avoid using "world famous" when the subject's fame is limited to a specific niche or region. Use more precise language to reflect the actual scope of recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "world famous" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are recognized and known on a global scale. Ludwig's examples show it applied to diverse subjects, ranging from landmarks to individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "world famous" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe entities that have achieved global recognition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, spanning diverse contexts from news and media to academia. When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the subject indeed possesses widespread recognition to avoid exaggeration. While alternatives like "globally renowned" and "internationally acclaimed" exist, "world famous" remains a straightforward and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

famous worldwide

Simple reordering of the original phrase.

globally renowned

Emphasizes the global aspect of the recognition.

universally known

Emphasizes knowledge of the subject by virtually everyone.

internationally acclaimed

Highlights the positive reception from across the world.

universally recognized

Focuses on the fact that nearly everyone acknowledges it.

renowned internationally

Similar to 'internationally acclaimed' but focuses on reputation.

widely celebrated

Suggests that the subject is not only known but also admired.

celebrated globally

Highlights global celebration instead of mere fame.

of worldwide repute

A more formal way of expressing global fame.

globally distinguished

Highlights the subject's prominence on a global scale.

FAQs

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

You can use "world famous" to describe something that is known and recognized globally. For example, "The Louvre is a "world famous" museum in Paris."

What's a good alternative to "world famous"?

Alternatives include "globally renowned", "internationally acclaimed", or "universally recognized" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "world-famous" with a hyphen?

Yes, "world-famous" is also correct, especially when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., a world-famous chef). However, "world famous" is acceptable and common.

What makes something "world famous"?

Something becomes "world famous" through widespread recognition and renown across different countries and cultures, often due to its unique qualities, historical significance, or cultural impact.