become associated with

USAGE SUMMARY

"become associated with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something or someone that has come to be strongly connected in people's minds with a particular quality, activity, expression, or event. For example: In recent years, the singer-songwriter has become associated with the indie folk music scene.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The parade has become associated with violence.

The Guardian

How did eating popcorn become associated with watching movies?

The New York Times

It has become associated with the nature of modernity itself.

The New York Times - Books

Sadly, corrective responses to misconduct have become associated with punishment.

The New York Times

Finally, tall, high-density buildings have become associated with dead public space at ground level.

The New York Times - Arts

Nobody seems sure what the Dutch did to become associated with cinema's lamest "technique".

The Guardian - Film

But he is sad that pride in being English has become associated with the far right.

The Guardian

Queen Kate does not want to become associated with oppression of European citizens.

The Guardian

Foster for adopt must not become associated with a headlong rush into adoption.

The Guardian

Unconditioned stimuli may also become associated with the affective view of the food.

The New York Times

"It's only recently that running has become associated with pain and injury".

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become associated with" when you want to describe the process of something starting to be linked or connected to something else in the perception of others. For instance, "Over time, the brand has become associated with high-quality products".

Common error

Avoid implying a cause-and-effect relationship simply because something has "become associated with" something else. Association doesn't automatically mean one thing causes the other. For instance, just because ice cream sales "become associated with" warmer weather doesn't mean ice cream sales cause the temperature to rise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become associated with" functions as a linking verb phrase indicating a developing connection or relationship between two entities. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase signifies a process where something begins to be connected or linked to another, influencing perception or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become associated with" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies a developing connection or relationship between two things. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and it is applicable in various contexts. The phrase is frequently used in news and media to report on how something starts to be linked or related to a specific topic or entity. While the phrase is found in several different contexts, it's crucial to avoid assuming causation from mere association. To maintain writing clarity, explore alternatives such as "be linked to" or "be connected with" depending on the context. Ultimately, mastering its use can enhance your ability to describe evolving connections accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be linked to

This alternative emphasizes a direct link or connection.

be connected with

This suggests a general connection, but might lack the implication of a developing association.

be identified with

Focuses on recognition and perception of the association.

be tied to

Indicates a strong and often inseparable link.

be affiliated with

Suggests a formal or official connection.

be known for

Implies that the association has resulted in recognition.

be related to

This suggests a general relationship or connection.

be synonymous with

Indicates a very strong and direct equivalence or association.

develop a link with

This highlights the active process of forming an association.

grow to be connected to

This implies a gradual process of becoming connected.

FAQs

How can I use "become associated with" in a sentence?

You can use "become associated with" to describe how something or someone starts to be linked to a particular idea, quality, or group. For example, "The artist "became associated with" the surrealist movement."

What's a similar phrase to "become associated with"?

Similar phrases include "be linked to", "be connected to", or "be identified with". The best alternative will depend on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "became associated with"?

Yes, "became associated with" is the past tense form of the phrase and is perfectly correct when describing something that happened in the past. It indicates that the association developed at some point in the past.

What's the difference between "become associated with" and "is associated with"?

"Become associated with" suggests a process of forming a connection, while "is associated with" describes a current state of connection. Use "become associated with" when describing how the association developed, and "is associated with" when describing the current link.