become a figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone gaining recognition or prominence in a particular field or context. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she finally managed to become a figure in the art community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Hopefully she will not become a figure of fun.

Independent

The man who was acquitted, Dupree Harris, has become a figure who has frustrated Brooklyn prosecutors.

The New York Times

They would dearly like him to become a figure of fun.

The Guardian

Over the years, he has become a figure of great interest to readers and writers worldwide.

The New Yorker

To liberal comedians, the Senate Majority Leader has become a figure of sustaining anthropological wonder.

The New Yorker

"He has become a figure for people, a representative of their own grievances".

The New York Times

Carine Patry Hoskins, the £219,000 junior counsel to Leveson, has become a figure of philandering fun and righteous indignation.

The Guardian

In a newspaper article on Wednesday, she said Dorries could lose face and become a figure of fun.

The Guardian

"Put it this way: it's hard to forget even for a moment that you have become a figure of fascination.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Pakistan Mr. Ahmad has become a figure like Bono of U2: a positive-thinking, hugely popular rock musician whose songs address both spiritual and social questions.

The New York Times - Arts

This symbol of a new creed had become a figure of nostalgia — a person in "a fairy tale," as Green once put it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become a figure" when you want to emphasize the process of someone gaining recognition or significance in a specific field or context. It's suitable for describing gradual or sudden ascents to prominence.

Common error

While "become a figure" is versatile, avoid overusing it in overly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language might be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "emerge as a leader" or "gain prominence" for increased specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a figure" functions as a verb phrase, often used with a noun to describe a transformation or progression into a recognizable or significant person or entity. As Ludwig indicates, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become a figure" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of gaining recognition or prominence. As Ludwig's examples and AI analysis confirm, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, suitable for both formal and informal writing. While versatile, remember to consider context and choose alternative phrases like "gain prominence" or "emerge as a leader" for added precision. Ultimately, mastering its usage will improve writing clarity and sophistication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain prominence

Focuses on the act of becoming well-known or important, emphasizing the increase in public recognition.

achieve recognition

Highlights the attainment of acknowledgment or approval for one's actions or qualities.

rise to fame

Emphasizes the ascent to widespread popularity and renown.

emerge as a leader

Specific to leadership roles, indicating the development of a prominent position of influence.

make a name for oneself

Highlights the act of establishing a reputation, often through personal effort and achievement.

attain celebrity status

Focuses on reaching a level of widespread public recognition and fame, often associated with media attention.

grow in stature

Indicates an increase in respect or importance, often over time.

develop influence

Emphasizes the expansion of one's ability to affect or shape decisions or events.

evolve into an icon

Suggests a transformation into a widely recognized symbol or representation of something.

garner attention

Focuses on attracting notice or interest from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "become a figure" to describe someone who gains recognition or prominence. For example, "After years of activism, she "became a figure" in the environmental movement".

What's the difference between "become a figure" and "become a celebrity"?

"Become a figure" suggests gaining recognition or importance in a specific field, while "become a celebrity" implies widespread public fame, often without necessarily having a significant impact beyond entertainment. A leader can "become a figure" in politics, but not necessarily a celebrity.

What are some alternatives to "become a figure"?

Alternatives to "become a figure" include "gain prominence", "achieve recognition", or "emerge as a leader", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "become a figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "become a figure" is generally appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing someone's rise to prominence or influence in a particular domain. However, consider alternatives like "attain significance" for more academic or specialized contexts.