become famous

USAGE SUMMARY

"become famous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to someone achieving fame or celebrity status. For example: "Many young people dream of becoming famous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His methods have become famous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You never become famous.

The Washington Post

He had become famous.

The Washington Post

Few become famous.

The New Yorker

Then you become famous.

The New York Times

The objective is to become famous.

Independent

He had become famous in literary circles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They're become famous for being themselves.

Independent

WHY did the incident become famous?

The New York Times

This letter would soon become famous.

The New York Times

Few interior designers become famous.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become famous" to describe the process of gaining widespread recognition or notoriety. It's suitable for both positive and negative contexts of fame.

Common error

Avoid using "become famous" when you really mean achieving success or impact in a specific field. Fame is about public recognition, while success is about achieving goals, which are not always synonymous.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "become famous" is to act as a predicate within a sentence. It describes the state or condition that someone or something attains. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become famous" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe the process of gaining widespread recognition or notoriety. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's a common phrase across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias, and is suitable for neutral registers. When using the phrase, remember that it denotes public recognition, which isn't always aligned with success. Consider alternatives like "gain recognition" or "rise to prominence" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become well-known

Indicates a broader awareness without necessarily implying intense fame.

attain celebrity

Highlights the status of being a celebrity, often associated with public attention.

achieve stardom

Implies a higher degree of fame and often connects to the entertainment industry.

enter the limelight

Describes the process of becoming publicly visible and attracting attention.

rise to prominence

Suggests a gradual ascent to a position of influence or importance.

gain recognition

Focuses on acknowledgement rather than widespread fame.

make a name for oneself

Emphasizes personal effort in achieving fame or recognition.

garner acclaim

Focuses on receiving positive reviews or praise for one's work.

gain widespread attention

Suggests that the focus is on the attention received, rather than the achievement itself.

achieve notoriety

Implies fame achieved through negative or controversial actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "become famous" to describe someone's journey to widespread recognition, such as, "She hoped to "become famous" for her music".

What's the difference between "become famous" and "become successful"?

"Become famous" refers to gaining widespread public recognition, while "become successful" means achieving your goals, which don't always involve fame. Someone can be successful without being famous, and vice versa.

What are some alternatives to "become famous"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "gain recognition", "achieve stardom", or "rise to prominence".

Is it grammatically correct to say "become famous"?

Yes, "become famous" is grammatically correct. "Become" is a linking verb, and "famous" is an adjective describing the state of being.