become a distraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a distraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that diverts attention away from the main focus or task at hand. Example: "The constant notifications from my phone can easily become a distraction while I'm trying to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have become a distraction".

The New York Times

But it has become a distraction.

Nature

"The issue has become a distraction".

The New York Times

Or has it become a distraction?

The New Yorker

I think it has become a distraction.

The New Yorker

That talk had become a "distraction," Mr. Emanuel said.

The New York Times

I felt that launching anything else would become a distraction.

The New York Times

It had become a distraction, Mr. Jones said.

The New York Times

"When there are too many fireworks, they become a distraction".

The Guardian - Arts

As the skulls have clearly become a distraction, I decided to throw them away.

The New Yorker

"The pink ribbons have become a distraction," says Karuna Jaggar, the group's executive director.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "become a distraction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being distracted from. Clarity enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "become a distraction" is a valid phrase, avoid overuse in close proximity. Vary your language by employing synonyms like "divert attention" or "hinder focus" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a distraction" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process or a change of state where something starts to divert attention. It often follows auxiliary verbs like 'has', 'had', 'will', or 'can'. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Sports

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become a distraction" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe something diverting attention from the main focus. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in written English. It functions to express concern or highlight negative impacts and is suitable for neutral registers, including news, sports, and general discussions. Alternatives like "serve as a distraction" and ""turn into a distraction"" provide similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to maintain clarity and avoid overuse to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn into a distraction

Focuses on the process of transforming into something that diverts attention.

prove to be a distraction

Emphasizes the realization that something is, in fact, a distraction.

serve as a distraction

Indicates a function or purpose of diverting attention.

morph into a distraction

Emphasizes a gradual or subtle transformation into a distracting element.

act as a distraction

Implies a temporary or deliberate role in diverting attention.

evolve into a distraction

Highlights the development over time into something that distracts.

end up as a distraction

Shows that something unintentionally becomes a distraction.

constitute a distraction

Identifies something as being a component or part of a distraction.

degenerate into a distraction

Suggests a decline or deterioration into a state of being distracting.

pose a distraction

Highlights the potential for something to cause a diversion of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "become a distraction" in a sentence?

You can use "become a distraction" to describe something that diverts attention from the main focus. For instance, "The constant notifications can "turn into a distraction" while working".

What are some alternatives to "become a distraction"?

Instead of "become a distraction", consider using phrases like "serve as a distraction", "divert attention", or "hinder focus" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "become a distraction" or "becoming a distraction"?

Both "become a distraction" and "becoming a distraction" are grammatically correct, but they have different uses. "Become a distraction" is used as a verb phrase indicating a change of state, while "becoming a distraction" often functions as a gerund or part of a continuous tense, such as "His behavior is becoming a distraction".

What's the difference between "become a distraction" and "is a distraction"?

"Become a distraction" implies a process or a change over time, whereas "is a distraction" suggests a current state or inherent quality. For example, "The ongoing debate has "become a distraction"" indicates the debate wasn't always distracting, while "The loud music is a distraction" means it's currently interfering with focus.