become comatose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become comatose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing a state of being in a coma or a similar state of unresponsiveness. Example: "After the accident, he seemed to become comatose, unresponsive to any stimuli."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Seattle center also treated people who had become comatose from drug overdoses.

The New York Times

A beautiful young dancer and a beautiful young bullfighter become comatose.

The New York Times

Several have become comatose and many patients are being treated for diarrhoea and vomiting.

The Guardian

Such patients rapidly become comatose; mortality is as high as 90 percent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But if not, they become comatose and suffer a cascading series of cellular-level injuries to the brain, which frequently lead to permanent brain damage or death.

The New York Times

The imaging center was next to the hospital's neurological intensive-care unit, and Owen heard about a patient there named Kate Bainbridge, a twenty-six-year-old schoolteacher who had become comatose after a flulike illness, and was eventually diagnosed as being in what neurologists call a vegetative state.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

She soon became comatose.

The New York Times

The women had headaches and psychiatric symptoms and became comatose.

The New York Times

She became comatose, and she died of a pulmonary embolism before church members finally brought her to the hospital.

The New Yorker

In one flashback to the time before he became comatose, George coins the term "holomelancholia" to describe "the inevitable disappointment of virtual worlds".

The New York Times - Books

The animal lies about, moving reluctantly, sometimes with a staggering gait and an arched back; later it is unable to rise and becomes comatose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a medical condition, be specific about the cause or circumstances leading to the person "becoming comatose". Include details about any preceding symptoms or events.

Common error

While "become comatose" can be used metaphorically, avoid using it casually in non-medical contexts as it can trivialize a serious medical condition. Opt for more appropriate descriptive language when discussing general inactivity or apathy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become comatose" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change of state. It describes the action of transitioning into a state of coma. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. The examples show its use in medical and narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become comatose" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of entering a state of coma. As Ludwig AI validates, it is most commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. While technically correct, it should be used with caution in non-medical contexts to avoid trivializing the condition. Alternatives such as "fall into a coma" or "lose consciousness" may be more appropriate depending on the desired nuance. Proper usage involves considering the medical context and avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall into a coma

Emphasizes the sudden transition into a state of unconsciousness.

enter a coma

Focuses on the action of entering the state of a coma.

go into a coma

Simply states the transition into a coma.

lapse into unconsciousness

Highlights the loss of consciousness as the primary event.

lose consciousness

A more general term indicating a loss of awareness.

become unresponsive

Focuses on the lack of response to external stimuli.

fall into a vegetative state

Indicates a more specific long-term state of severely impaired consciousness.

succumb to a coma

Suggests being overcome by the condition leading to the coma.

sink into a coma

Describes a gradual decline into a comatose state.

be rendered unconscious

Passive voice emphasizing the cause leading to unconsciousness.

FAQs

How is "become comatose" used in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "become comatose" describes the process of a patient entering a state of prolonged unconsciousness, often due to injury, illness, or other medical conditions. It indicates a severe reduction in awareness and responsiveness.

What are some alternatives to "become comatose"?

Alternatives include "fall into a coma", "lose consciousness", or "become unresponsive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "become comatose" metaphorically?

While it can be used metaphorically to describe a state of extreme inactivity or disengagement, use caution. Overuse in casual contexts can diminish the seriousness of actual comatose states.

What causes someone to "become comatose"?

A variety of factors can cause someone to "become comatose", including traumatic brain injuries, strokes, drug overdoses, severe infections, and metabolic disorders. The underlying cause affects the prognosis and treatment.