became clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has become understandable or obvious over time. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, it became clear that the initial assumptions were incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

/ It gradually became clear.

The New Yorker

But suddenly all became clear.

Independent

The drug failures became clear.

The New York Times - Science

So it became clear.

The New York Times - Arts

Later it became clear.

The Guardian - Sport

Suddenly all became clear.

The Guardian - Books

It gradually became clear.

The New Yorker

The choice became clear.

The New York Times

The decision became clear.

The New York Times

The story now became clear to him.

The New Yorker

Several things became clear to me.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became clear" when you want to indicate that understanding or recognition of something occurred gradually or at a specific point in time after a period of uncertainty or obscurity.

Common error

Avoid using "became clear" excessively in passive constructions, as it can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Instead, consider active voice alternatives that emphasize who or what made something clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became clear" functions as a linking phrase or connector, indicating a transition to a state of understanding or realization. Ludwig examples demonstrate its role in connecting a situation or event with its subsequent comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became clear" is a versatile linking phrase used to indicate that something has become understood or evident, often after a period of uncertainty. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives like "became apparent" or "was revealed" can provide more nuance depending on the desired emphasis. By considering these factors, writers can effectively use "became clear" to enhance clarity and coherence in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became apparent

Uses a different adjective to describe the state of understanding, focusing on the obvious nature of something.

was revealed

Shifts the focus to the act of uncovering or disclosing information.

emerged

Suggests a gradual process of something becoming known or visible.

dawned on

Indicates a sudden realization or understanding.

came to light

Implies that something was previously hidden or unknown.

crystallized

Suggests that something vague or unclear has become definite and distinct.

was understood

Focuses on the comprehension of something, rather than the process of becoming clear.

was realized

Emphasizes the act of becoming aware of something.

materialized

Implies that something abstract has become concrete or real.

transpired

Highlights the unfolding or development of events that led to understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "became clear" in a sentence?

You can use "became clear" to indicate that something has become understandable or obvious. For example, "After the investigation, it "became clear" that the suspect was innocent."

What are some alternatives to "became clear"?

Some alternatives include "became apparent", "was revealed", or "emerged", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "became clear" or "become clear"?

"Became clear" is the past tense form, used to describe something that became clear in the past. "Become clear" is the infinitive form, used with auxiliary verbs like "will" or "can". For example, "It will "become clear" in time."

What's the difference between "became clear" and "was clear"?

"Became clear" indicates a process of clarification over time, while "was clear" suggests that something was already evident at a particular point. "It "became clear" after further investigation" implies the investigation led to understanding, whereas "It "was clear" from the beginning" suggests immediate obviousness.