became closer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became closer" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when discussing the development of a relationship between two people. For example, "As they spent more time together, the couple became closer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The representativity factor became closer to unity.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

We became closer and closer friends.

The New York Times - Arts

"In one way, we became closer.

The Guardian - Books

Holly and I became closer after that.

The Guardian - Books

C: Did there come a time when they became closer?

The New Yorker

The team became closer than Brodeur had seen in years.

The New York Times - Sports

We became closer to him than any others.

The Guardian

They rekindled the relationship, which became closer than before.

The New York Times - Style

In fact, they became closer than 30percentt of students feel to their deepest companion!

University of California, Berkeley

BAZILEVSKY: These relations were very good and became closer and closer every day.

Yale University

When the operating frequency was decreased below 500 Hz, they became closer to in-phase (θ = 0°) condition.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became closer" to describe the evolution of relationships between people, ideas, or entities where a reduction in emotional, physical, or conceptual distance is evident.

Common error

Ensure that "became closer" is not solely used to describe physical proximity if the intention is to convey a deeper, more meaningful connection or relationship development. If only physical distance is intended, consider using "approached" or "drew nearer" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became closer" functions as a dynamic descriptor, indicating a change in the relationship between two or more entities. According to Ludwig, the phrase describes the development of a relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became closer" is a versatile phrase used to describe the development of relationships or the reduction of distances across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing evolving connections. It’s particularly common in news and media but also appears in academic and scientific writing. When using "became closer", it's important to consider the specific type of connection—emotional, physical, or conceptual—and ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning. Consider alternatives such as "grew nearer" or "developed a bond" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressed to a closer relationship

Emphasizes the gradual advancement towards a more intimate connection.

deepened their connection

Indicates that an existing relationship has become more profound.

grew nearer

Focuses on the gradual reduction of distance, either physically or emotionally.

developed a bond

Highlights the formation of a strong emotional connection.

closed the distance

Highlights the act of reducing the gap between individuals or entities.

forged stronger ties

Emphasizes the strengthening of existing relationships or connections.

gravitated toward each other

Suggests a natural or magnetic attraction drawing individuals closer.

nurtured the relationship

Suggests careful attention and effort in developing a connection.

established a rapport

Focuses on building a harmonious and understanding relationship.

converged

Implies a coming together from different directions or perspectives.

FAQs

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

You can use "became closer" to describe the development of a relationship between people, such as, "After working on the project together, they "became closer" friends". It can also describe converging ideas or concepts.

What are some alternatives to "became closer"?

Some alternatives include "grew nearer", "developed a bond", or "deepened their connection", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "become closer" instead of "became closer"?

No, "become closer" is the infinitive form. "Became closer" is the past tense and is used to describe something that has already happened. Use "become closer" with auxiliary verbs like 'will' or 'can', for example, "They will "become closer" through this experience".

What's the difference between "became closer" and "got closer"?

"Became closer" is generally perceived as slightly more formal than "got closer". Both phrases mean the same thing—that a relationship or distance lessened—but "became closer" might be preferred in more formal writing.