Admired For: Standard Pattern
Admired For: Standard Pattern records a directly documented English construction and keeps guidance bounded to the evidenced pattern rather than turning one attested complement into a universal prohibition.
Use “admired for” to identify the quality, behavior, or achievement that causes respect or approval.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| respect is caused by a quality | admired for + quality | Use “for” before the quality that prompts admiration. |
| respect is caused by behaviour or an achievement | admired for + noun/-ing | Use “for” before the behaviour or accomplishment. |
| the sentence only states that someone is admired | no “for” complement is required | Add the complement when the reason for admiration needs to be named. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Are you identifying the quality, behaviour, or achievement that causes the admiration?
If yes: Use “admired for.”
If no: If the reason is not being named, the adjective/participle can stand without a “for” complement.
Caveat: The construction explains the basis of admiration; it does not require every sentence containing “admired” to include “for.”
Examples
She is admired for her patience.
“For” introduces the quality that causes the respect.
The engineer was admired for solving difficult problems calmly.
An -ing phrase can name the behaviour or achievement being admired.
The building is admired for its simple proportions.
A noun phrase can identify the feature that prompts approval.
Further guidance
Construction
Use “admired for” to identify the quality, behavior, or achievement that causes respect or approval.
Style Boundary
“Admire” can also take a direct object without a “for” phrase. This guide is limited to the documented reason-giving “admired for” construction.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- ADMIRE | English meaning — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct Cambridge dictionary evidence for “admired for” when identifying a quality or behavior that prompts respect or approval.