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Prepositions after adjectives

well-known for or well-known in?

Well-known for describes the reason for fame or recognition. Well-known in refers to the place, field, or community where someone or something is recognised.

Quick answer

What is the difference?

Use well-known for to say why someone or something is famous: She is well-known for her research. Use well-known in to show the area or group where recognition exists: He is well-known in academic circles.

The city is well-known for its beaches.
She is well-known for her novels.
He is well-known in the industry.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
well-known for + reason

Giving the cause of fame or recognition

For introduces the quality, achievement, or feature that makes someone famous.

The restaurant is well-known for fresh seafood.
2
well-known in + field/place

Showing where recognition exists

In refers to a profession, community, region, or area.

She is well-known in medical research.
3
well-known among + group

Identifying the people who recognise someone

Among highlights a specific group of people.

The author is well-known among students.
4
well-known as + role

Naming a public identity

As introduces the role or identity someone is recognised for.

He is well-known as a commentator.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
well-known for
The company is well-known for fast delivery.
Explains the reason for recognition.
well-known in
She is well-known in the fashion world.
Shows the place or field where recognition exists.
well-known among
The song is well-known among football fans.
Recognition within a particular group.
well-known as
He is well-known as a travel writer.
Identifies a role or identity.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using for when referring to a field

Use in for industries, communities, and areas of activity.

✕ She is well-known for the legal community. ✓ She is well-known in the legal community.

Using in for the reason someone is famous

Use for before achievements or qualities.

✕ The café is well-known in its desserts. ✓ The café is well-known for its desserts.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The actor is well-known ___ his action films.
2. She is well-known ___ scientific circles.
3. The professor is well-known ___ a public speaker.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use well-known for a place?

Yes. A place can be well-known for food, history, beaches, or other features.

What does well-known in mean?

It refers to the area, profession, or community where someone is recognised.

Is famous for similar to well-known for?

Yes. Both commonly introduce the reason for recognition.

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