became powerful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became powerful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a transition or change in status, indicating that someone or something has gained strength or influence over time. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she became powerful in her field, earning respect from her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Tahiti, Hawaii, and Tonga, native chiefs became powerful kings by gaining access to European arms and support, consolidating power, and accepting missionary advisers and missionary-designed codes of law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

None became powerful brands.

The New York Times

By not withholding anything, she became powerful.

The New Yorker

His descendants succeeded him in the post, and the family became powerful samurai in the district.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Eventually Muhammad became powerful enough to punish nonsupporters severely, especially those who leaned toward Mecca.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As televisions got cheaper, audiences grew and admen became powerful, and networks stopped taking risks.

The New Yorker

These pamphlets were reasoned discourses, though with the arrival of the French Revolution, pamphlets once again became powerful polemical weapons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both of these images, which were assumed to be "real," and which became powerful symbols of victory, were reënactments.

The New Yorker

The providers became powerful advocates for the people in their care, and savvy strategists, alert to opportunities to increase financing.

The New York Times

Alternative therapies like hydrotherapy and homeopathy became powerful, as did an obsession with cleanliness, personal and communal.

The New York Times - Health

And also because it has only been very recently that computers became powerful enough to perform searches we need.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became powerful" to describe a transition, not a static state. It implies a process of gaining influence or strength over time.

Common error

Avoid using "became powerful" as a vague descriptor. Provide context about how the subject gained power and what kind of power they acquired to give your writing more clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became powerful" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transformation or transition to a state of increased strength, authority, or influence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became powerful" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a transition to a state of increased influence or strength. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, primarily in news, encyclopedias and scientific sources. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context about how the subject gained power to make your writing more impactful. Consider alternatives like "grew in influence" or "rose to prominence" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew in influence

Focuses on the expansion of one's reach and sway over others.

consolidated power

Emphasizes the act of securing and strengthening existing power.

rose to prominence

Emphasizes achieving a high rank or position in a field or society.

came to wield power

Focuses on the ability to exercise control effectively.

achieved a position of strength

Focuses on reaching a state where one has significant power.

gained ascendancy

Highlights achieving a dominant position over others.

built up influence

Highlights the gradual process of increasing one's impact.

established dominance

Focuses on the act of setting up a position of control.

acquired authority

Stresses the gaining of legitimate power or control.

developed strength

Highlights the gradual increase in power or capability.

FAQs

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

Use "became powerful" to illustrate a change in status, indicating that someone or something has gained strength or influence. For instance, "The small tribe "became powerful" after forming alliances with neighboring groups".

What are some alternatives to "became powerful"?

You can use alternatives such as "grew in influence", "rose to prominence", or "gained ascendancy" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "became powerful" or "grew powerful"?

Both "became powerful" and "grew powerful" are acceptable, but ""became powerful"" implies a more definitive transition, while "grew powerful" suggests a gradual increase in power.

What does it mean when something "became powerful"?

When something ""became powerful"", it means that it has transitioned into a state of having significant influence, authority, or strength, often indicating a shift in its position or capabilities.