become addicted

USAGE SUMMARY

"become addicted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe or express someone's gradual and increasing dependence on something. Example: Many people who play video games for long hours can become addicted to them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many become addicted to painkillers.

The New York Times

Some of them become addicted to drugs.

Princeton University

"People have become addicted to hidden causes.

The New Yorker

But we have become addicted to gasoline.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, some people become addicted to painkillers as a result.

Harvard University

If you do become addicted, remember there's good treatment.

Stanford University

He's become addicted to the mask, to killing.

The New Yorker

EATING I have recently become addicted to Castelvetrano olives.

The New York Times

Approximately one in six will become addicted, Dr. Volkow said.

The New York Times

We don't want them to become addicted to us.

Independent

She'll become addicted to cocaine and finally get clean.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become addicted", be specific about what someone is addicted to. Clarity enhances the impact of your statement. For example: "They became addicted to gambling."

Common error

Avoid using "become addicted" lightly. Addiction is a serious condition, so ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong term. Instead of saying "I've become addicted to this song", consider a milder alternative like "I really enjoy this song".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become addicted" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of developing an addiction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous examples, illustrating its function in describing the transition into a state of dependence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become addicted" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe the process of developing an addiction. Ludwig AI validates its usage through numerous examples from reputable sources, including news outlets, academic institutions, and wikis. While the phrase carries a neutral register, it's essential to use it appropriately, recognizing the serious nature of addiction. Alternatives like "develop an addiction" or "get hooked" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When employing "become addicted", ensure specificity and contextual justification for maximum impact and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop an addiction

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the process of addiction development.

get hooked

This alternative is more informal and suggests a strong, often sudden, attraction or dependence.

grow dependent

This alternative focuses on the reliance aspect of addiction, emphasizing the need for something.

fall into addiction

This alternative suggests a passive descent into an addictive state.

succumb to addiction

This alternative emphasizes yielding to the power of addiction, implying a struggle.

be consumed by addiction

This alternative paints a picture of addiction dominating someone's life.

be enslaved by addiction

This alternative illustrates addiction as a form of captivity.

acquire a habit

This alternative is a milder way of saying someone has developed a dependency.

get a craving

This alternative describes the initial stage of addiction that is characterized by intense desire.

find oneself addicted

This alternative conveys a sense of surprise at having developed an addiction.

FAQs

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

You can use "become addicted" to describe the process of developing an addiction to something. For example: "Many people "become addicted to painkillers" after surgery".

What are some alternatives to "become addicted"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "develop an addiction", "get hooked", or "grow dependent".

Is it grammatically correct to say "become addicted to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "become addicted" requires a preposition like "to" to connect it to the object of addiction.

What's the difference between "become addicted" and "be addicted"?

"Become addicted" describes the process of developing an addiction, while "be addicted" describes the state of already being addicted. For example, "He will "become addicted to gambling" if he doesn't stop" (process) vs. "He is "addicted to gambling"" (state).