become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a change of state or transformation into something else. Example: "As she practiced more, she began to become a skilled musician."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Through her heroic struggle she has become a leading spokesperson for girls' rights to education".

The Guardian

My dream is to become one of the best sprinters in the world but I don't see how that can happen now.

The Guardian

We don't have people that become ill, who die in their apartment because they don't have insurance".

The New York Times

"These words have become popular.

The New York Times

The triple injection had become problematic because Georgia was running out of the drugs in question.

The Guardian

In 1999 the compliant parliament voted for Niyazov to become president for life, and in 2002, he used an alleged assassination attempt to legitimise a far-reaching crackdown on political opponents.

The Guardian

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The Guardian

Security alerts involving improvised explosive devices have become almost a weekly occurence in Derry during the past few months as dissident republicans step up their armed actions in the city.

The Guardian

Most immigrants contribute to society, most want to become good British citizens and most strike me as more like us with every rainy day that passes.

The Guardian

"They don't want Iran to become a nuclear power and they will be as sceptical as the Israelis are as to whether this is going to be a real deal.

The Guardian

"These are old monopolies that have become privatised, and I think if you don't get tough regulation, you do get the consumer being ripped off," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become", ensure the context clearly indicates the transformation or change being described. Consider the nuance each alternative phrase provides for more precise communication.

Common error

Avoid using "become" when describing a permanent or unchanging state. "Become" implies a transition; for static conditions, use verbs like "is" or "remains".

Linguistic Context

The verb "become" functions primarily as a linking verb, connecting the subject to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective that describes a change or transformation. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it indicates a transition from one state to another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become" is a versatile verb used to denote a change or transformation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. To enhance precision, consider related phrases like "turn into" or "evolve into". Remember to avoid using "become" to describe static states, focusing instead on transitional processes. This makes "become" a valuable tool for expressing nuanced changes in writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn into

Emphasizes a transformation from one state to another.

grow into

Suggests a gradual development or evolution.

evolve into

Implies a more complex or natural development.

develop into

Highlights a process of unfolding or maturation.

transform into

Indicates a significant and often dramatic change.

get to be

Suggests a gradual transition to a certain state.

come to be

Emphasizes the process of arriving at a certain state or condition.

end up as

Suggests an unplanned or unexpected final state.

prove to be

Focuses on the demonstration or revelation of a quality or state.

come about

Refers to how something happens or originates.

FAQs

How can I use "become" in a sentence?

Use "become" to describe a change or transformation, such as "She will "become a doctor"" or "The weather will "become cold"".

What are some alternatives to "become"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "turn into", "evolve into", or "develop into" to express a similar meaning to "become".

Is it correct to say "become" instead of "be" in all situations?

No, "become" indicates a change over time, while "be" describes a current state. Use "become" when something is changing and "be" when something is constant.

What's the difference between "become" and "come to be"?

"Become" directly implies a transformation. "Come to be" emphasizes the process or manner in which something originated or happened.