Be Known As Something vs. Known For Something
Be Known As Something vs. Known For Something distinguishes two directly documented constructions. Known as introduces a name, title, identity, or recognized type; known for identifies the work, quality, achievement, or feature that explains why the person or thing is known.
Use known as to give the name, title, identity, or type by which someone or something is recognized; use known for to state the work, quality, achievement, or feature that creates the reputation.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| name, title, identity, label, or recognized type | known as + noun phrase | use “as” to identify what someone or something is called or regarded as |
| work, quality, achievement, product, or feature that creates a reputation | known for + noun phrase | use “for” to name the basis of the reputation |
Quick tests
Identity-or-reputation test
Are you naming the identity/title, or explaining what creates the reputation?
If yes: Use “known as” for the name, title, identity, or type.
If no: Use “known for” for the quality, work, achievement, or feature.
Caveat: A person or place can naturally take both constructions in different clauses.
Examples
The district is known as the Old Quarter.
“As” introduces the recognized name or identity.
The district is known for its narrow streets.
“For” introduces the feature behind the reputation.
Mira is known as a careful editor and known for catching subtle inconsistencies.
The sentence separates identity from reputation basis.
Further guidance
Core difference
Oxford documents be known as something and be known for something as separate reputation/naming constructions.
Style Boundary
Known as can also introduce an alternative name; known for points to the basis of reputation rather than a label.
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.
- know — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford University Press · Direct dictionary evidence distinguishing be known as from be known for