become entrenched

USAGE SUMMARY

"become entrenched" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to become firmly established or deeply ingrained in a particular belief, behavior, or situation. Example: The company's outdated policies had become entrenched over the years, making it difficult for them to adapt to changing market conditions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Positions have become entrenched.

The Economist

Ethnic mafias become entrenched.

The Economist

Everywhere corruption has become entrenched.

The Economist

Joblessness can easily become entrenched.

The Economist

"Expectations for falling wages have become entrenched.

The New York Times

Hezbollah has become entrenched in Lebanese society.

The New York Times

Whether it will become entrenched here is unclear.

The New York Times

Over time, cyclical joblessness can become entrenched (see Free exchange).

The Economist

A culture of worklessness has become entrenched, he says.

The Guardian

With-us-or-against-us warrior politics has become entrenched.

The Guardian

People become entrenched in their positions and cannot rectify their mistakes until it is too late.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become entrenched" to describe situations where a pattern, belief, or problem has become very difficult to change or remove. It is suitable for formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "become entrenched" for minor, easily resolved issues. The phrase implies a significant degree of difficulty in reversing the situation. Reserve it for deeply rooted problems, beliefs, or practices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become entrenched" functions as a predicate within a sentence, indicating a process of establishment and solidification. It signifies that something has reached a state where it is firmly fixed and difficult to alter. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become entrenched" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the process of something becoming firmly established and difficult to change. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, with a higher frequency in News & Media and Science. The phrase is generally neutral, leaning towards a formal register, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using "become entrenched", ensure that the context warrants the implication of deep-rootedness and difficulty in reversal, and consider related phrases like "become ingrained" or "become firmly established" to fine-tune the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become ingrained

This alternative suggests that something has become deeply fixed in a person's character or habit, emphasizing a personal or internal aspect.

become deeply rooted

This alternative highlights the strong and fundamental establishment of something, implying a more profound and lasting presence.

become firmly established

This alternative emphasizes the solid and stable nature of something's establishment, focusing on its security and permanence.

become fixed

This alternative suggests that something has become unchangeable and resistant to modification, emphasizing a state of permanence.

become settled

This alternative implies that something has reached a stable and permanent state, suggesting a sense of resolution and finality.

take hold

This alternative suggests that something is starting to have a significant impact or influence and beginning to be accepted.

become embedded

This alternative emphasizes the integration of something within a larger system or structure, suggesting a deeply interwoven relationship.

become inveterate

This alternative suggests something is long-established and unlikely to change, often with a negative connotation.

become immutable

This alternative implies that something has become unchangeable over time, emphasizing a fundamental lack of alteration.

become part of the fabric

This alternative suggests that something has become an integral and essential component of a system or society.

FAQs

How to use "become entrenched" in a sentence?

You can use "become entrenched" to describe a situation where something has become firmly established and difficult to change. For example, "Corruption has "become entrenched" in the government."

What can I say instead of "become entrenched"?

You can use alternatives like "become ingrained", "become deeply rooted", or "become firmly established" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "become entrenched" or "became entrenched"?

"Become entrenched" is often used in general statements or hypothetical situations, while "became entrenched" is used to describe something that has already happened. For example, "If bad habits "become entrenched", they are hard to break" versus "The outdated policies "became entrenched" over time."

What's the difference between "become entrenched" and "become inherent"?

"Become entrenched" implies something that has become firmly established over time, often suggesting a struggle to change it. "Become inherent" means something has become a natural or essential part of something else. For example, "Sectarian conflict may "become entrenched"" versus "A risk of failure is "become inherent" in this approach".