became widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became widespread" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe an idea or concept that quickly gained acceptance or that became popular quickly. For example: "The idea of buying goods online quickly became widespread."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some elements, however, became widespread in the Plains.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It only began to grow after broadband became widespread.

The Economist

Ocean sediments were suddenly less biogenic, and clays became widespread.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both only recently became widespread in this country.

The New York Times

Graduate education based on the German model became widespread.

The New York Times

Third, social safety nets became widespread, reducing the need for households to save for unforeseen emergencies.

The New York Times

The religion of Isis became widespread in Italy during the 1st and 2nd centuries ad.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In eastern Europe, anti-Semitism became widespread in Poland, Hungary, and Romania in the interwar period.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over the years, other inventors would improve on Mr. Calahan's invention, and its use became widespread.

The New York Times

The use of qanāts became widespread throughout the region, and some are still in existence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Deforestation became widespread; Sardinia, for example, lost four-fifths of its trees in the 19th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "became widespread", ensure that the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what exactly became widespread (e.g., "Internet access became widespread").

Common error

Avoid using "became widespread" with overly broad or abstract subjects that lack clear context. Instead, be specific about what gained prevalence to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became widespread" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process where something transitioned from being limited or localized to being common or prevalent. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. The phrase often connects a subject with a state of increased distribution or acceptance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

38%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became widespread" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the process of something gaining prevalence or commonality. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s frequently used across various contexts, including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is crucial to define the subject clearly to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "grew common" or "became prevalent" can provide subtle variations in meaning. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "became widespread" to convey the increasing reach or acceptance of a particular subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Became prevalent

Emphasizes the dominance or widespread acceptance of something.

Grew common

Focuses on the process of becoming common rather than the result.

Took hold

Implies something establishing itself firmly and becoming widespread.

Spread rapidly

Highlights the speed at which something became widespread.

Proliferated

Emphasizes a rapid increase in number or extent.

Became established

Highlights the process of becoming firmly accepted or recognized.

Gained traction

Suggests increasing popularity or acceptance, often in a more specific context like ideas or movements.

Expanded significantly

Highlights the quantitative increase in reach or scope.

Emerged widely

Focuses on the initial appearance and subsequent spread of something.

Flourished

Implies growth and success in becoming widespread, often used for cultural or artistic phenomena.

FAQs

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

You can use "became widespread" to describe how something has expanded or gained popularity. For example, "The use of smartphones "became widespread" in the last decade".

What are some alternatives to "became widespread"?

Alternatives include "grew common", "became prevalent", or "spread rapidly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "became widespread" and "was widespread"?

"Became widespread" implies a process of spreading or gaining prevalence over time, while "was widespread" describes a state of being already common or prevalent at a particular time.

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

The phrase "become widespread" is grammatically incorrect because it does not indicate the tense. The proper phrasing, dependent on context, should be either "became widespread" to indicate past tense, or "has become widespread" to indicate present perfect tense.