became extravagant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became extravagant" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a change in behavior or lifestyle that involves excessive spending or indulgence. Example: "After winning the lottery, she became extravagant, buying luxury cars and designer clothes." Alternative expressions include "turned lavish" and "grew excessive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The original Spanish farthingale was dark in colour, but elsewhere the fashion became extravagant and gaudy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Listening to the Stockhausen, I was struck by the spirituality of Gesang der Jünglinge and the theatricality of Kontakte: we tend to forget that the sense of cosmic drama, which became extravagant in his later work, was integral to his output from the beginning.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"With this road, times have become extravagant.

The New Yorker

He says: "It almost becomes extravagant having different teams in the organisation doing the same function".

The Guardian

After months of rather mild comment (by his standards, that is), his rhetoric has again become extravagant.

The Economist

By now, the Arkestra had begun wearing Egyptian robes and space-themed headpieces, and their stage shows had become extravagant "cosmo-dramas".

The Guardian - Music

Sometimes, especially in mystical thought, such language becomes extravagant, foreshadowed by vivid biblical metaphors such as the husband-wife relation in Hosea, the "adoption" motif in Ezekiel 16, and the firstborn-son relation in Exodus 4 22.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is written in anger, but without hatred; in affection, but without pathos and tears; and in humor that never becomes extravagant".

Wikipedia

Gift-giving, for example, is a lovely tradition but can become extravagant and excessive, creating inter-personal competitiveness and financial stress.

Huffington Post

While hardly a new story, the tendency to waste talent in order to retain and enhance personal networks of control has now become extravagant; a default norm, rather than a tolerated excess.

Huffington Post

But as the shopping continued, the choices became less extravagant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "became extravagant", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what aspect transitioned to extravagance (e.g., spending habits, lifestyle, decorations).

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "became extravagant" in academic or professional contexts. Use more precise and nuanced vocabulary to specify the type and degree of extravagance, such as "escalated spending", "embraced luxury", or "adopted lavish habits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became extravagant" functions as a descriptive predicate, indicating a transformation of the subject into a state characterized by lavishness or excess. It is commonly used to describe changes in behavior, spending habits, or artistic expression, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became extravagant" effectively describes a transition to a state of excess or lavishness. Ludwig's analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and finds its use in news, media and encyclopedic content. Though it is not the most common phrase, its use is clear and understandable. For richer and more precise vocabulary you can use alternatives like "turned lavish", or "grew excessive", if you want to be more specific and target the exact meaning you are looking for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned lavish

Focuses on the shift to a luxurious or opulent state.

grew excessive

Emphasizes the exceeding of normal or acceptable limits.

became more lavish

Adds emphasis on luxury, implying a gradual shift.

turned excessive

Similar to "grew excessive" but with a more abrupt transition.

became flamboyant

Focuses on the showy and ostentatious nature of the change.

turned ostentatious

Highlights the boastful display of wealth or extravagance.

became wasteful

Highlights the inefficient and extravagant use of resources.

morphed into extravagance

Focuses on the complete transformation into a state of being extravagant.

evolved into luxury

Suggests a more natural and gradual transition into a luxurious state.

degenerated into excess

Implies a negative connotation, suggesting a decline into overindulgence.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "became extravagant"?

It means that something transitioned into a state of being excessive, lavish, or wasteful, often implying a significant change in behavior or style.

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

You can use it to describe a change, for example: "After inheriting a fortune, his lifestyle "became extravagant"".

What are some alternatives to "became extravagant"?

Some alternatives include "turned lavish", "grew excessive", or "became more lavish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to say someone's behavior "became extravagant"?

Yes, it's appropriate. It indicates their behavior shifted to being excessive or lavish. However, consider more descriptive alternatives like "their spending habits "became wasteful"" if you want to be more specific.