became popular

USAGE SUMMARY

"became popular" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has gained widespread attention or acclaim. Example: The new smartphone became popular within weeks of its release, with thousands of people lining up to purchase it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It gained popularity in the sixties when jogging became popular.

The New Yorker

Birthday greetings became popular.

The New York Times - Books

Both became popular movies.

The New York Times - Books

This style also became popular in Germany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They eventually became popular in folk music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The competition quickly became popular.

The New York Times

The operation quickly became popular.

The New York Times

The shirts quickly became popular.

The New York Times

To their great surprise, they became popular.

The New Yorker

Both became popular first with young people.

The New York Times - Tech

He learned Spanish and became popular.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became popular" to describe the increasing acceptance or adoption of something over a period of time. Ensure the context clearly indicates what or who gained popularity and the reason behind it.

Common error

Avoid using "became popular" when referring to something that is currently losing popularity. Also, always provide sufficient context to clarify what gained popularity and why, to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became popular" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in status, specifically the process of gaining widespread acceptance or recognition. It describes a transition from relative obscurity to a state of being well-known or favored, according to Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became popular" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes the process of gaining widespread acceptance or recognition. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and adaptable to various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific literature. While phrases like "gained traction" or "caught on" can serve as alternatives, understanding the specific nuances and contexts is key to effective communication. Ensure clarity by providing sufficient context about the subject gaining popularity and avoid using it when referring to declining trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became widespread

Focuses on the geographical or demographic distribution of popularity.

became fashionable

Refers specifically to trends and style, indicating a temporary surge in popularity.

gained traction

Implies a gradual increase in popularity or acceptance, often suggesting overcoming initial resistance.

took off

Implies a sudden and significant increase in popularity or success.

caught on

Suggests a rapid spread of popularity, often among a specific group or demographic.

entered the mainstream

Indicates that something was once niche but is now widely accepted and consumed.

rose to prominence

Indicates a rise in fame or importance, often in a professional or public sphere.

gained currency

Suggests widespread acceptance of an idea, term, or concept.

achieved recognition

Suggests gaining acknowledgment or appreciation for qualities or achievements.

found favor

Implies that something or someone is liked or approved by a specific group or person.

FAQs

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

Use "became popular" to describe the process of something or someone gaining widespread acceptance or recognition. For example, "Social media "became popular" due to its ability to connect people globally".

What are some alternatives to "became popular"?

Alternatives include phrases like "gained traction", "caught on", or "rose to prominence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "became popular" and "became fashionable"?

"Became popular" is a broader term indicating widespread acceptance, while "became fashionable" specifically refers to trends and style, suggesting a more temporary or trend-driven surge in popularity.

Which is correct, "became popular" or "got popular"?

"Became popular" is generally considered more grammatically formal and stylistically preferred in writing, while "got popular" is more informal but still acceptable in casual conversation.