become heavier

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become heavier" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an increase in weight or density of an object or substance over time. Example: "As the storm approached, the clouds began to become heavier, signaling an impending downpour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The atoms take on more protons, and become heavier.

The New Yorker

"And it will check the times you become heavier".

The New York Times

But the regulatory burden has become heavier, especially after the 2007-08 financrisisrisis.

The Economist

When hailstones become heavier than the lifting force of the updraft, they fall.

The New York Times - Science

Behind us, the exchanges of gunfire have become heavier, with more incoming crackle and fewer outgoing bangs.

The Guardian

On average, cars today use 25% less fuel than they did 20 years ago, despite having become heavier and more powerful.

The Economist

In reality, of course, it would be nonsensical to tell so-called normal-weight people to try to become heavier to lower their mortality risk.

The New York Times

As students become heavier and their health deteriorates, more serious ailments like diabetes can arise, leading to higher health care costs over time.

The New York Times

Mr. Pavarotti's manager, Herbert Breslin, had said that performing would have been "impossible" because Mr. Pavarotti's chest congestion had become "heavier and heavier" as afternoon turned to evening.

The New York Times

Possibly, too, the audience has grown more tolerant of weightier men on screen as the society at large has become heavier.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

By now the rain has become heavy.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become heavier" in scientific writing, ensure you specify what is causing the increase in weight or density for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "become heavier" to describe emotional weight or burdens. Opt for phrases like "weigh more heavily" or "become more burdensome" to convey the intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become heavier" functions as a dynamic descriptor, indicating a change in weight or density over time. It often acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing how a subject's weight is evolving. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

48%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become heavier" is a versatile expression used to describe an increase in weight or density. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Analysis reveals its frequent occurrence in scientific and news-related content, signifying its relevance in both objective and general contexts. The phrase is suitable for use in diverse registers, providing clarity in descriptions of physical changes. While semantically similar alternatives exist, "become heavier" offers a direct and universally understood means of expressing weight increase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get heavier

A more colloquial way of saying "become heavier", suggesting an ongoing process.

increase in weight

Focuses specifically on the measurable gain in weight, quantifiable change.

gain weight

Emphasizes the act of adding weight, commonly used in personal contexts.

grow denser

Highlights an increase in density rather than just weight.

accumulate weight

Highlights the gradual collection of weight over time.

intensify

Highlights an increase in strength or intensity.

increase in intensity

Refers to the increase in strength, power or degree, in an abstract manner.

load up

Informal way of saying gaining weight, especially on a vehicle or a person.

escalate

Implies a gradual increase, often in a negative or critical context.

wax heavier

Uses 'wax' to express the gradual increase or growth, conveying a more archaic tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "become heavier" to describe a physical increase in weight. For example, "The suitcase "became heavier" as I added more books."

What are some alternatives to "become heavier"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "gain weight", "grow denser", or "get heavier" as alternatives to "become heavier".

Which is correct: "become heavier" or "became more heavy"?

"Become heavier" is the grammatically correct and more common phrase. "Became more heavy" is less frequent and sounds awkward.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "become heavier"?

"Become heavier" is appropriate in contexts where you are describing a measurable increase in weight or density of an object, substance, or even an abstract concept. Make sure context is about physical weight, instead of using expressions such as "weigh more heavily" to indicate psychological load.