become a joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a joke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to express the idea that something has become so absurd or ridiculous that it is now seen as a joke. For example: "The mayor's ill-advised decision to restrict public access to the park soon became a joke amongst the citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It will become a joke".

The New York Times

Disco had become a joke.

The New York Times - Books

"It's become a joke".

The New York Times

Training has almost become a joke.

The New York Times

He had finally become a joke.

The New York Times

Competitive balance has become a joke.

The New York Times

They've since become a joke, a stereotype of shallow suburbia.

The New York Times

Like, 'You don't want to become a joke.

Independent

"I tell him … 'You don't want to become a joke.

The Guardian - Music

Fisher commented that the situation had become a "joke".

The Guardian

He's become a joke with a celebrity wife.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "become a joke" to emphasize a decline in seriousness or respectability, particularly when something initially intended to be taken seriously is now seen as ridiculous.

Common error

Avoid using "become a joke" in highly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or objective description of decline is needed. Opt for phrases that convey loss of effectiveness or relevance without necessarily implying ridicule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a joke" functions as a predicate in sentences, describing a state of transformation where something transitions into being perceived as ridiculous or not serious. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase illustrates a decline in credibility or importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become a joke" is a common expression used to describe the degradation of something from a state of seriousness or importance to one of ridicule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, to express criticism or disappointment. While the phrase is generally neutral, trending towards informal and should be avoided in academic writing, alternatives like "become a laughingstock" or "be reduced to a joke" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be reduced to a joke

This phrasing focuses on the process of decline, highlighting that the subject has lost its original value and is now regarded as comical.

become a laughingstock

This alternative suggests a higher degree of public ridicule and loss of respect compared to the original phrase.

become a farce

This alternative implies that something has devolved into a ridiculous sham or mockery.

descend into absurdity

This alternative emphasizes the gradual process by which something becomes illogical, unreasonable, or ridiculous.

become a travesty

This alternative suggests a debased, distorted, or inferior imitation or misrepresentation.

become a parody

This alternative indicates that something is now seen as a humorous imitation or spoof of something else.

become a charade

This alternative suggests that something has become an obvious pretense or deception.

become a mockery

This alternative emphasizes the contempt and derision associated with the situation.

become a joke

This alternative emphasizes the humor and amusement that is derived from something's downfall.

become a caricature

This alternative suggests that something has been exaggerated to the point of being absurd.

FAQs

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

You can use "become a joke" to describe something that has lost its seriousness or value, for example: "The once-strict regulations have "become a joke" due to lax enforcement".

What can I say instead of "become a joke"?

You can use alternatives like "become a laughingstock", "descend into absurdity", or "be reduced to a joke" depending on the context.

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

While grammatically correct, "become a joke" is often more suitable for informal or news-related contexts. Formal writing might benefit from more neutral phrases that describe decline without necessarily implying ridicule.

What's the difference between "become a joke" and "become a parody"?

"Become a joke" implies something has lost its seriousness, while "become a parody" suggests it is now being humorously imitated. The first indicates a decline in respect; the second, a form of humorous representation.