become heightened

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become heightened" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something increases in intensity or becomes more pronounced. Example: "As the storm approached, the tension in the room began to become heightened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's possible that the Broadway aspects of "Revelations" have become heightened under her directorship.

The New York Times - Arts

A lot of those memories have become heightened with the passing of the years.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps when your days are numbered your senses become heightened and you begin to experience everything with newfound intensity.

The New Yorker

We writers must learn how to become still in our heads, to achieve the sort of stillness that allows our senses to become heightened.

The New York Times

A member of Charlie Company spoke to me about what it is like to jump off an aircraft and head into unknown peril: "Your senses become heightened.

The New Yorker

Obreht threads together echoes of community gossip and folklore, vividly evoking the claustrophobic atmosphere of a small village, and the feelings of fear and hope that become heightened at times of war.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But it becomes heightened through the music, and when music heightens the emotions, the physicality has to match that".

The New York Times - Arts

Tensions between the Philippines and China became heightened this spring when both countries refused to recall fishing boats and government vessels from Scarborough Shoal, in the disputed area.

The New York Times

The story and the themes of the novel didn't change, but the process of writing became heightened, as if he were seeing with new eyes.

The New Yorker

This public trust concern becomes heightened because police officers frequently face investigation by their own agencies, which may have an interest in protecting personnel from criticism and liability, thus, enhancing their reputation or avoiding financial damages.

The Washington Post

Around 2007-08, as he and Mills went through their spectacularly acrimonious divorce and McCartney took up with Nancy Shevell, all these elements of his public persona became heightened signifiers for his very rarefied lifestyle.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become heightened", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing in intensity or prominence. For example, "Tensions between the groups became heightened after the announcement."

Common error

Avoid using "become heightened" when a simple increase or change is meant. Instead, reserve it for situations where the intensity, sensitivity, or prominence is notably amplified. Don't say "The room temperature became heightened", instead try "The room temperature increased."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become heightened" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of intensification or increase in a particular quality or state. Ludwig AI shows this phrase used in various contexts, suggesting its versatility in describing how things become more pronounced or intense.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become heightened" is a versatile phrase used to describe an increase in intensity, sensitivity, or prominence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across varied contexts, predominantly in News & Media and scientific domains. While generally neutral to formal, it effectively conveys the idea of intensification. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies its intensity and consider alternatives such as "become pronounced" or "intensify" for subtle variations. To use it correctly, consider to avoid using "become heightened" when a simple increase or change is meant. The phrase usage allows writers to articulate nuanced shifts in states or conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become pronounced

Focuses on something becoming more noticeable or distinct.

increase in intensity

Focuses on the rise in the degree or strength of something.

intensify

Emphasizes the process of becoming stronger or more extreme.

escalate

Suggests a rapid increase, often in a negative or conflict-driven context.

grow stronger

Highlights the gradual strengthening or development of something.

become amplified

Indicates an increase in amplitude or effect, making something more noticeable.

sharpen

Implies a refinement or focusing of something, making it more acute.

be enhanced

Suggests an improvement or augmentation of something's qualities.

become acute

Highlights the sudden or critical increase in severity or awareness.

be magnified

Indicates an increase in size or importance, often disproportionately.

FAQs

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

Use "become heightened" to describe a state that is intensified. For example, "After the announcement, security measures "become heightened"."

What are some alternatives to "become heightened"?

Alternatives include "become pronounced", "intensify", or "escalate depending" on the specific context.

Which is correct: "become heightened" or "became more high"?

"Become heightened" is the correct and more formal phrasing. "Became more high" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "become heightened" and "become intensified"?

While both phrases indicate an increase in intensity, "become heightened" often implies a rise in sensitivity or awareness, while "become intensified" focuses more on the degree of strength. For example, "Their senses "become heightened" in dangerous situations", or, "Their efforts "become intensified" during the final stage".