became withdrawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became withdrawn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has become less social or more reserved over time, often due to personal circumstances or emotional changes. Example: "After the incident, she became withdrawn and stopped attending social gatherings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"She became withdrawn, really quiet".

The New York Times

He became withdrawn.

The New York Times

Trudy became withdrawn.

The New York Times

They became withdrawn and obsessional, antisocial andanxious.

The New York Times - Magazine

After Alison died, Paul says Caroline became withdrawn.

Independent

But Wilson said after school started, his daughter became withdrawn.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Managers often become withdrawn and only superficially harmonious.

Stanford University

Or someone who was social and outgoing may become withdrawn.

Harvard University

Yet by last October, he had become withdrawn.

The New York Times

Of late, he had become withdrawn, baffled by the exercises.

The New York Times

When people are in isolation their brainwaves slow down; prisoners can become withdrawn, traumatized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "became withdrawn", consider specifying the cause of the change in behavior for clarity and impact. For instance, "After the trauma, she became withdrawn" provides more context than simply "She became withdrawn".

Common error

Avoid attributing someone's withdrawal to simple laziness or disinterest without understanding the underlying reasons, which may include depression, anxiety, or trauma. Look for specific behavioral cues and contextual clues to provide a more accurate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became withdrawn" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a change in state. It describes a process where someone's behavior or demeanor shifts towards being less social, less communicative, and more introverted. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and well-established.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became withdrawn" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe a shift in someone's behavior towards being less social and more isolated. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a well-understood phrase with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts from news reports to casual conversations. The phrase is very common and often used to describe reactions to traumatic events, stress, or emotional distress. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the underlying cause when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grew distant

Focuses on increasing emotional or physical separation from others.

became isolated

Highlights the state of being alone or separated from social contact.

turned inward

Emphasizes a shift in focus towards internal thoughts and feelings, rather than external interactions.

lost interest

Indicates a decline in enthusiasm or engagement in activities and relationships.

became reclusive

Suggests a deliberate avoidance of social contact and a preference for solitude.

shut down emotionally

Highlights the suppression or numbing of emotional expression.

retreated into oneself

Implies a withdrawal from the external world and a focus on internal thoughts and feelings.

became uncommunicative

Emphasizes a reduction in verbal or written interaction with others.

lost touch

Indicates a gradual fading of contact or connection with others.

became detached

Suggests a lack of emotional connection or involvement with people and events.

FAQs

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

You can use "became withdrawn" to describe someone who has become less social or communicative. For example, "After the accident, he "became withdrawn" and avoided social gatherings."

What are some alternative phrases for "became withdrawn"?

Alternatives include phrases like "grew distant", "became isolated", or "turned inward", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "became withdrawn" in formal writing?

Yes, "became withdrawn" is suitable for formal writing as it's a clear and professional way to describe a change in someone's behavior. However, ensure the context is also formal and professional.

What's the difference between "became withdrawn" and "became depressed"?

"Became withdrawn" describes a change in social behavior, while "became depressed" indicates a mood disorder. Someone who "became withdrawn" may not necessarily be depressed, and vice versa. Depression can be a reason for becoming socially withdrawn.