become airborne

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become airborne" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to aviation, physics, or any situation where something is lifted off the ground or into the air. Example: "The drone will become airborne once the pilot initiates the takeoff sequence."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For simple sources, such as the house dust mite, allergen particles contaminate infested fabrics and then become airborne with disturbance (Platts-Mills and Chapman 1987).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Those hairs are fragile and readily become airborne.

Cornell University

If the virus mutates further, it might become airborne.

The Economist

"We really need to understand how these viruses become airborne.

Independent

Typically, they become airborne after the first freeze.

The New York Times

When the ballast particles become airborne, the fluctuating forces generated increase significantly.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Ferromagnetic metal objects can become airborne projectiles when placed in a strong magnetic field.

Harvard University

As you can see, a loon needs quite a substantial amount of runway to become airborne.

Cornell University

Ebola could become airborne The chances of this happening are extremely small.

Independent

That the insects routinely become airborne demonstrates the shortcomings of some theoretical accounts of the world.

The Economist

When the virus had become airborne, however, it did not kill the infected ferrets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific phenomena, use "become airborne" to clearly indicate the transition of particles or substances into an aerial state. For example, "Pollen readily become airborne during high winds."

Common error

Avoid assuming that all small particles automatically "become airborne". Factors like humidity, particle size, and air currents greatly influence whether something remains suspended in the air.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become airborne" functions primarily as a verb phrase. Ludwig's examples show it describing the action of transitioning from a grounded state to being suspended in the air, often concerning particles, objects, or living beings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become airborne" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of something transitioning into an aerial state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. Its primary function is to describe a physical process, and its register ranges from neutral to formal. When writing, remember that various factors influence whether something will "become airborne", such as particle size and air currents. Alternatives include "take flight" or "lift off", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take flight

Emphasizes the act of starting a flight, often used in a more figurative or poetic sense.

lift off

Specifically refers to the moment of becoming airborne, commonly used for aircraft or rockets.

ascend into the air

A more formal and descriptive way of saying "become airborne", suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

rise into the sky

Highlights the upward movement and the destination, the sky, adding a sense of grandeur.

get off the ground

Can be literal or figurative, meaning to start moving or progressing after being stagnant.

go aloft

An older, somewhat archaic term for ascending into the air.

soar into the heavens

Implies a high and majestic flight, often used metaphorically.

spring into the air

Suggests a sudden and energetic upward movement.

levitate

Implies rising and floating in the air without visible support, often used in a supernatural context.

launch into the air

Suggests a forceful and deliberate action of propelling something upwards.

FAQs

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

You can use "become airborne" to describe the process of something rising into the air. For example, "Dust mites can "become airborne" when fabrics are disturbed", or "The plane will "become airborne" after reaching a certain speed on the runway".

What is an alternative to "become airborne"?

Alternatives include "take flight", "lift off", or "ascend into the air". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct: "become airborne" or "became airborne"?

Both are correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Become airborne" is present tense, while "became airborne" is past tense. Choose the tense that matches the timeframe of your sentence.

What factors influence whether something will "become airborne"?

Factors include the size and weight of the object, the presence of wind or air currents, and the surface properties of the object. For example, lighter particles are more likely to "become airborne" than heavier ones, and rough surfaces may trap particles more effectively.