became conspicuous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became conspicuous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has become noticeable or easily seen over time. Example: "As the sun set, the stars became conspicuous against the darkening sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Cold shoulders became conspicuous.

The New Yorker

It became conspicuous for the abundance of its coinage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In it, careful and frugal people became conspicuous, profligate consumers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The snake was first sighted inland from the seaport and became conspicuous throughout central Guam by the 1960s.

Columbia University

But this year, with the Giants winless after their first six games, Reese's silence became conspicuous, especially because he was chided for molding a flawed team.

The New York Times - Sports

The bad-boy guarantees, also known as springing guarantees, began appearing in the 1980s, but it was not until the early 1990s that they became conspicuous.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

More recently it has become conspicuous on the top line.

The Economist

The overlapping of the diffuse double layer becomes conspicuous in the micropore.

Electrochimica Acta

The risk-free network approach becomes conspicuous in "Normal, Ohio," which on paper may sound daring.

The New York Times - Arts

Seven months later, however, that question has become conspicuous by its absence.

The New York Times

The intercalation-induced activation of AMCMB is indiscernible in XRD patterns but becomes conspicuous as dilatometric responses.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became conspicuous" to describe a gradual change in visibility or prominence. It implies something was not initially noticeable but has since become so due to a shift or change in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "became conspicuous" to describe something that was always easily noticeable. This phrase is best suited for situations where visibility or prominence changes over time. Instead, consider using adjectives like "obvious" or "evident" for initial states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became conspicuous" functions as a verb phrase acting as a predicate, describing a change in the subject's state to being noticeable or prominent. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became conspicuous" effectively conveys a change in visibility or prominence, highlighting that something previously subtle or unnoticed has now become easily seen or recognized. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse sources, including news outlets, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When writing, remember that "became conspicuous" is most appropriate when describing a change over time rather than a constant state. Alternatives like "became noticeable" or "became apparent" can provide similar meanings while subtly adjusting the emphasis. Using "became conspicuous" correctly adds a layer of depth to your writing, suggesting a shift in perception or awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became noticeable

Replaces "conspicuous" with a more common synonym, focusing on the act of being noticed.

became apparent

Suggests something became clear or obvious, highlighting understanding rather than mere visibility.

became evident

Similar to "became apparent" but implies stronger proof or indication.

became obvious

Focuses on the lack of subtlety in something that becomes easily seen or understood.

became prominent

Indicates rising importance or standing out in a significant way.

became striking

Emphasizes the impressive or remarkable nature of something that becomes noticeable.

became marked

Suggests a distinct or noticeable change occurred.

grew pronounced

Implies a gradual increase in visibility or intensity over time.

stood out

A more informal way of saying something became easily visible or noticeable.

drew attention

Focuses on the act of attracting attention, rather than just being visible.

FAQs

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

You can use "became conspicuous" to describe a gradual increase in visibility or prominence, such as "As the investigation progressed, the suspect's lies "became conspicuous"".

What are some alternatives to "became conspicuous"?

Alternatives include "became noticeable", "became apparent", or "became evident", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was conspicuous" or "became conspicuous"?

"Was conspicuous" describes a state of being already noticeable, while "became conspicuous" describes a process of something becoming noticeable over time. The choice depends on whether you're describing a static or evolving situation.

What's the difference between "became conspicuous" and "became obvious"?

"Became conspicuous" suggests something became easily visible or noticeable. "Became obvious" implies something became clear and easily understood, focusing on comprehension rather than mere visibility. Choose based on the intended emphasis.