become fixed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become fixed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something becomes established or unchangeable over time. Example: "As the project progressed, the initial ideas began to become fixed in the team's minds, making it difficult to consider alternative approaches."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe that habit has become fixed in me.

The Guardian

And how does the actor deal with legends that have become fixed in the public's mind?

The New York Times

More treatable in the early stages, their delusions become fixed and entrenched.

The Guardian

Lisa is 29 and has a condition named arthrogryposis, which causes certain joints to become fixed.

The Guardian - Tech

Public pensions and medical care for the aged have become fixed, integral parts of American life.

The New Yorker

Once cells in this region become tuned to one or more languages, they become fixed.

The New York Times - Science

By about the middle of the century, the frontiers had become fixed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It may take a jazz artist 20 or 30 years to become fixed in the public's mind.

The New York Times

It's all those carbon-dioxide bubbles which become fixed as the nice spongy holes in the crumb of the bread".

The New Yorker

He said, "It would mean that the Green Line dividing Cyprus would become fixed as the eastern border of Europe".

The New York Times

Our money, however, has stayed the same for so much longer than anyone else's that it's become fixed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become fixed" to describe situations where a state, idea, or physical attribute has solidified and is unlikely to change. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject and the nature of its fixed state.

Common error

Avoid using "become fixed" when describing temporary arrangements or situations intended to be flexible. This phrase implies permanence, so using it in the wrong context can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become fixed" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe the process by which something transitions into a state of permanence or immobility. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage across various domains from science to news media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become fixed" is a versatile verb phrase indicating a transition to a permanent or stable state. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in science and news media. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider the implication of permanence and avoid using it for temporary situations. Alternatives such as "become established" or "become entrenched" may offer nuances suited to specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become established

Focuses on the establishment or firm grounding of something.

become ingrained

Emphasizes deep-rooted integration, often referring to habits or beliefs.

become entrenched

Highlights firm establishment and resistance to change.

become set

Implies a state of being determined and unchangeable.

become permanent

Indicates a lasting and irreversible state.

become stabilized

Suggests achieving a state of stability and resistance to fluctuation.

become resolute

Highlights a firm and unwavering decision or stance.

solidify

Focuses on the process of becoming firm or stable.

take root

Emphasizes the establishment and growth of something from a foundation.

become immutable

Highlights the unchangeable nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "become fixed" to describe something that has solidified or become permanent, such as, "Her ideas about the project have "become fixed", making it difficult to introduce new suggestions".

What are some alternatives to "become fixed"?

Some alternatives include "become established", "become entrenched", or "become permanent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "become fixed" or "has been fixed"?

The choice depends on the context. "Become fixed" implies a process of solidifying over time, while "has been fixed" suggests a completed action of making something stationary or permanent. For example, "The price has been fixed" indicates the price is set, while "The price will become fixed" implies a price that will solidify in the future.

In what contexts is "become fixed" most appropriate?

"Become fixed" is suitable in contexts where something transitions from a fluid or changeable state to a stable, unchangeable one. This includes describing opinions, physical attributes, or even genetic traits within a population. Examples are "delusions "become fixed" and entrenched" or "joints to "become fixed"".