become distracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become distracted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone loses focus or attention on a task or subject. Example: "During the meeting, I found it hard to concentrate and began to become distracted by my phone notifications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet, it's easy for us to become distracted by, well, the many distractions in our lives.

Huffington Post

Machines do not hold grudges or become distracted.

The New York Times - Sports

"They've become distracted by conventional uses," a Pentagon official said.

The New York Times

Move around and don't allow the children to become distracted.

The Guardian

They cannot have wide eyes and rabbit ears, and become distracted.

The New York Times - Sports

People who become distracted while grilling may consider the $100 iGrill, a sort of griller's assistant.

The New York Times

Do you become distracted or feel the room closing in on you?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others become distracted by their surroundings and never go to class.

The New York Times

The video's stars occasionally become distracted and start nuzzling emergency vehicles.

The New Yorker

Were Tottenham guilty of allowing themselves to become distracted by the Sherwood sideshow?

The Guardian - Sport

"Like most people on a cellphone, after a while you become distracted," said Piepmeier.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, specify what causes someone to "become distracted". For example, instead of saying 'He became distracted', say 'He became distracted by the loud music'.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive voice with "become distracted". Instead of 'She was allowed to become distracted', opt for 'She let herself become distracted' or 'She became distracted'. Active voice often creates stronger, more direct sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become distracted" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state change. It describes the process of losing focus or having one's attention diverted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become distracted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe a loss of focus or diversion of attention. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use. It's most prevalent in news and media, as well as general writing, and maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, specifying the cause of distraction enhances clarity. Alternatives like "lose focus" or "get sidetracked" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose focus

A more general term for losing concentration.

get sidetracked

Implies being diverted from the main topic or task.

lose concentration

Focuses on the inability to maintain mental focus.

drift off

Suggests a gradual loss of attention, often due to boredom or fatigue.

be diverted

Highlights the act of something drawing attention away.

zone out

Informal term for becoming completely unaware of one's surroundings.

space out

Similar to "zone out", indicating a temporary lapse in attention.

have one's attention wander

Describes attention moving from one thing to another.

be inattentive

A more formal way of saying someone is not paying attention.

get carried away

Indicates losing track of time or purpose due to excitement or enjoyment.

FAQs

What does "become distracted" mean?

The phrase "become distracted" means to have your attention drawn away from something, causing you to lose focus on the original subject or task. It implies a shift in attention, often due to external or internal stimuli.

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

You can use "become distracted" to describe someone losing focus. For example: "The student "became distracted" by the noise outside", or "It's easy to "become distracted" when working from home".

What can I say instead of "become distracted"?

You can use alternatives like "lose focus", "get sidetracked", or "drift off" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "become distracted" or "get distracted"?

Both "become distracted" and "get distracted" are acceptable and have similar meanings. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Become distracted" might suggest a more gradual process, while "get distracted" can imply a more sudden shift in attention.