become dirty

USAGE SUMMARY

"become dirty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when referring to something that has been stained or covered in grime. For example: "The carpet quickly became dirty after the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

We are letting this great city become dirty, filthy morally.

The Guardian

Most women use rags on their periods and these often become dirty, leading to urinary and vaginal infections.

Stanford University

The terms deregulation and market liberalization have almost become dirty words in energy circles in the US and EU after failed experiments in both areas.

The Electricity Journal

Inside, the elevators move at an ancient pace and the scuffed linoleum floors become dirty just moments after being mopped.

The New York Times

Finally, he picked up the new note from Lao Lan that had become dirty in the urine and dried it on his pants.

The New Yorker

The box had been stored in Cavaliere's garage for many years and Cunningham says some of the furniture had become dirty.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It has become dirtier and filthier over time.

The New York Times - Arts

There is "at least a perception" that stations have become dirtier, Mr. Henderson said.

The New York Times

Trains are sure to become dirtier because cleaning crews are scheduled to shrink.

The New York Times

On the other hand, cars have become dirtier as the price of a subway ride has risen to $2.

The New York Times

So there is a risk petrol engines could actually become dirtier.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual process of something losing its cleanliness, "become dirty" is suitable. For example, "The water became dirty after the heavy rainfall."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "become dirty" can sound informal in some contexts. Consider more precise alternatives like "become contaminated" or "become soiled" for formal or scientific writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become dirty" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, indicating a change of state. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the process of something acquiring dirt or impurities. Ludwig's examples show its wide application in contexts ranging from moral decay to physical cleanliness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

40%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become dirty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the process of something losing its cleanliness. As verified by Ludwig, it's suitable for a wide array of contexts, from everyday descriptions to discussions of abstract concepts like political discourse. While it is generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferable in specific situations. The frequency analysis indicates that it is most often found in News & Media and Wiki sources. Keep in mind that this is a versatile phrase that serves to inform, explain, or express concern about a decline in purity or cleanliness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get soiled

Focuses on the act of becoming marked or stained, implying a loss of cleanliness.

become soiled

A more formal way of saying "get soiled", indicating a state of being dirtied.

get stained

Specifically refers to the development of a stain that alters the appearance.

become unclean

A general term for losing cleanliness, applicable in various contexts.

get grimy

Focuses on becoming covered in grime, suggesting a sticky or oily dirt.

get dusty

Implies a covering of fine particles of dirt or other matter.

become tainted

Suggests a more serious contamination or corruption, not just superficial dirt.

get smudged

Refers specifically to the act of getting marked with a smudge, often a smear of dirt or ink.

get contaminated

Implies the introduction of unwanted substances, often harmful.

become impure

Indicates a loss of purity, suggesting contamination or adulteration.

FAQs

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

You can use "become dirty" to describe something that is gradually losing its cleanliness, such as "The floor will "become dirty" if you don't mop it regularly".

What's a more formal way to say "become dirty"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "become soiled", "become contaminated", or "become impure" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "got dirty" instead of "become dirty"?

Yes, "got dirty" is a grammatically correct and more informal alternative to ""become dirty"". Both phrases are acceptable, but "got dirty" is generally used in more casual conversation.

What's the difference between "become dirty" and "is dirty"?

"Become dirty" implies a process of change, while "is dirty" describes a current state. For example, "The shirt "become dirty" while I was gardening" indicates a change, whereas "The shirt is dirty" simply states its current condition.