become free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become free" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing the idea of attaining freedom, either figuratively or literally. For example, "After years of living with oppressive laws, the citizens of the country were finally able to become free."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Maybe it will become free".

The New York Times

The rest can become free agents.

The New York Times - Sports

Women should help him become free".

The New York Times - Books

Players would become free agents sooner.

The New York Times - Sports

But here, finally, he can become free.

The Guardian

The three players will become free agents on Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

Have we not become free men in our own country?

The Guardian - Books

Russia is now on course to become free and law-abiding.

The Economist

There is no certainty that any of them will become free agents next year.

The New York Times

Variety.com will also officially drop its four-year-old pay wall and become free online.

The New York Times

"The people are so desperate to become free, and the mullahs are so unpopular.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become free" to express a transition into a state of liberty or autonomy, whether in a political, personal, or abstract sense. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "become free" in contexts where a simpler term like "free" or "available" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose or unnatural. Opt for more concise language when possible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "become free" is as a verb phrase, typically serving as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the process of attaining freedom or liberation from a state of constraint or oppression. Ludwig confirms this is correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become free" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the process of attaining freedom. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When using "become free", consider its nuance of transitioning into a state of liberation and choose it when this sense of progression is intended. Alternatives like "gain freedom" or "achieve liberation" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Be cautious not to overuse the phrase when simpler alternatives could suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain freedom

Focuses on the act of acquiring freedom.

achieve liberation

Emphasizes the complete release from constraints.

attain emancipation

Suggests a formal or legal release from bondage.

find liberty

Highlights the discovery of a state of freedom.

break free

Implies a forceful escape from confinement.

be set free

Indicates being released by an external force.

rise above oppression

Focuses on overcoming oppressive forces to achieve freedom.

experience autonomy

Highlights the self-governing aspect of freedom.

secure independence

Emphasizes establishing a state of self-reliance and freedom.

unlock potential

Suggests freedom from limitations hindering personal growth.

FAQs

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

You can use "become free" to describe the process of gaining freedom from constraints, such as "After years of struggle, the nation finally "become free" from colonial rule".

What are some alternatives to saying "become free"?

Alternatives include "gain freedom", "achieve liberation", or "break free", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "became free" instead of "become free"?

Yes, "became free" is the past tense of "become free" and is correct when referring to a past event. For example, "The prisoners "became free" after the revolution".

What is the difference between "become free" and "be free"?

"Become free" implies a transition or process of achieving freedom, while "be free" describes a state of already being free. For instance, one might strive to "become free", and once successful, they can "be free".