become extensive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become extensive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or change where something increases in scope, size, or range over time. Example: "As the project progressed, the research began to become extensive, covering various aspects of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Because the sail was in sections, the tear would not become extensive.

The New Yorker

Incorporating nanostructured functional constituents within polymers has become extensive in processes and products for manufacturing composites.

Composites Part B: Engineering

The relevant literature has become extensive, particularly since the beginning of the 20th century.

Britannica

By that time local media coverage of Bulger's misdeeds had become extensive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had set up his own music publishing company in the 1950s, and, a decade later, his publishing interests had become extensive.

The Guardian

By the 1930s, bidonvilles (literally, "tin can cities"), or shantytowns, were beginning to develop around major urban areas and have since become extensive.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

At La Guardia, the airlines added about 200 landings and takeoffs to the existing level of 1,000, and delays became extensive, causing a ripple effect nationwide.

The New York Times

However, the use of the domain-wide sharing option became extensive due to system prompts that made sharing to all LionMail users the easiest or most visible option.

Columbia University

"Our findings may also guide us in developing strategies and interventions to protect those with early symptoms, rather than try to repair damage once it becomes extensive".

The New York Times - Sports

Many scientists believe the best hope of progress, maybe the only hope, lies in detecting the disease early and devising treatments to stop it before brain damage becomes extensive.

The New York Times - Health

In August 1914, Lord Hardinge announced his government's entry into World War I. India's contributions to the war became extensive and significant, and the war's contributions to change within British India proved to be even greater.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become extensive", ensure that the subject undergoing expansion is clearly defined. This provides context and avoids ambiguity, allowing readers to understand what is growing or increasing.

Common error

Avoid using "become extensive" with subjects that are already inherently broad or undefined. This can lead to vagueness and weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, specify the particular aspect that is expanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become extensive" functions primarily as a linking verb followed by an adjective, indicating a change in state towards being widespread or large in scope. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the process of something increasing in its extent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become extensive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the process of something growing or expanding in scope. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the subject and avoiding overuse with already broad concepts. Alternatives include "expand significantly" and "grow considerably". By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ "become extensive" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand significantly

Focuses on the growth aspect, implying a noticeable increase in size or scope.

grow considerably

Highlights the increase in magnitude or importance.

widen substantially

Emphasizes the broadening of something, like influence or coverage.

increase markedly

Stresses a distinct and observable rise in quantity or degree.

become widespread

Shifts the focus to prevalence, suggesting something is becoming common.

intensify greatly

Indicates a significant increase in strength or effect.

flourish profusely

Implies a thriving and abundant growth or development.

amplify dramatically

Suggests a large and impactful increase in force or effect.

build up extensively

Conveys a gradual accumulation or development over time.

deepen considerably

Focuses on the intensification of depth, understanding, or impact.

FAQs

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

Use "become extensive" to describe something that grows or increases significantly in size, scope, or degree. For example, "The investigation "became extensive" as new evidence emerged."

What are some alternatives to "become extensive"?

You can use alternatives such as "expand significantly", "grow considerably", or "become widespread", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "become extensive" or "grow extensive"?

Both "become extensive" and "grow extensive" are grammatically correct, but "become extensive" is generally more common and versatile. "Grow extensive" may sound slightly less formal or more descriptive in certain contexts.

What does it mean when something "becomes extensive"?

When something "becomes extensive", it means that it increases in size, scope, or range. It implies a significant expansion beyond its initial state. It is similar to "become widespread".