become dominant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become dominant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one entity gains control or influence over others in a particular context. Example: "In recent years, technology companies have begun to become dominant in the market, overshadowing traditional businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, test scores have become dominant.

The New York Times

"Call-out has become dominant," Palmese says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Evergreens become dominant, blue and green against the sky.

The New York Times - Food

Yet in just ten years mobile phones have become dominant.

The New Yorker

That general approach would become dominant throughout the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when did the notes become dominant over coin?

The New York Times

Not until the 21st century did another party become dominant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From Hamilton northward, coal mining and heavy industry become dominant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If Reyes can apply that approach in the leadoff spot, he will become dominant, Manuel said.

The New York Times - Sports

A creeping, self-centred individualism has become dominant in public culture.

The Guardian

However, as the season progresses particular strains are more successful and become dominant", said Dr Brown.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become dominant", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being dominated and the scope of that dominance. For instance, "The new technology became dominant in the market" is more effective than simply stating "The technology became dominant."

Common error

Avoid using "become dominant" when the subject has only achieved partial or temporary influence. Using qualifiers like "increasingly dominant" or "largely dominant" can provide a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become dominant" functions primarily as a linking verb followed by an adjective, indicating a transformation or a shift in state towards dominance. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage in various contexts, describing how entities or concepts gain prominence or control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become dominant" is a versatile expression used to describe the process of gaining power, influence, or prevalence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to science and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "gain dominance" or "achieve supremacy" exist, "become dominant" offers a neutral and widely understood way to convey the idea of ascendancy. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being dominated and considering the degree of dominance to avoid overstating the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain dominance

This alternative maintains a very close meaning, substituting "become" with "gain" while retaining the core concept of achieving dominance.

become preeminent

This emphasizes surpassing others in excellence or importance, differing from the broader sense of dominance.

achieve supremacy

This phrase implies reaching the highest level of power or authority, suggesting a more absolute form of dominance.

establish ascendancy

This highlights the process of rising to a position of leadership and influence, similar to but more formal than "become dominant".

establish prevalence

This focuses on widespread acceptance and common occurrence, differing from the power dynamic implied by "dominant".

exert control

This alternative emphasizes the active application of power, rather than the state of being dominant.

assume control

This suggests a more deliberate and formal act of taking power, in contrast to gradually becoming dominant.

take over

This suggests a more forceful and immediate shift in control, contrasting with the gradual process of becoming dominant.

rise to prominence

This focuses on gaining recognition and importance, rather than direct control or power.

gain the upper hand

This implies achieving an advantage in a competitive situation, not necessarily overall dominance.

FAQs

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

Use "become dominant" to describe a gradual process where something gains significant power, influence, or control. For example, "Social media has "become dominant" in modern marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "become dominant"?

You can use alternatives like "gain dominance", "achieve supremacy", or "establish prevalence" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "became dominantly" instead of "become dominant"?

No, "became dominantly" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is ""become dominant"", where "dominant" functions as an adjective describing the state of the subject.

What's the difference between ""become dominant"" and "gain influence"?

"Become dominant" implies a greater degree of control and power compared to "gain influence", which suggests a more subtle or persuasive effect.