become indistinguishable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become indistinguishable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more things are no longer able to be differentiated from one another. Example: "As the two colors blended together, they began to become indistinguishable from each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abstraction and figuration become indistinguishable.

The New Yorker

Gay men, it seems, have become indistinguishable from normal folk.

The New York Times

Tells how the campaign and the coverage of it have become indistinguishable.

The New Yorker

The salt flats of northern Germany, where birds nest, may become indistinguishable from the sea.

The New Yorker

But as Teddy's nightmares become indistinguishable from reality, we realise Scorsese has another model in mind.

The Guardian - Film

On one network, in recent years, the language of film and television has become indistinguishable.

The Guardian

As with many popular sleuths, Rumpole has become indistinguishable from his video persona.

The New York Times - Books

By the end of the 17th century it had virtually become indistinguishable from its Polish counterpart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when life goes so darkly awry, love and hatred can become indistinguishable.

The Economist

Russell creates a vivid sense of how reality and fantasy can intertwine in a child's mind and become indistinguishable.

The Guardian - Books

At what point does a cultural use like your educational modules become indistinguishable from a strategy room for territorial expansion?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully. While widely applicable, this phrase is particularly effective in describing abstract concepts, trends, or processes where distinctions blur over time.

Common error

Avoid using "become indistinguishable" for simple comparisons where differences are merely subtle. The phrase is most impactful when describing a complete or near-complete loss of distinction. Simpler terms like "similar" or "alike" are more appropriate for minor differences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become indistinguishable" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as the predicate of a sentence. It signifies a process where two or more distinct entities lose their differentiating characteristics. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Books

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become indistinguishable" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the merging or blurring of distinctions between two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread usage across various domains, from News & Media to Science. Its primary function is to depict a state of convergence, emphasizing the loss of differentiating characteristics. When writing, keep in mind the phrase's impactful use when describing a complete or near-complete loss of distinction and that it might be an overkill for simpler comparisons that can be better served by terms like "similar" or "alike". While its formality leans towards neutral, it is frequently found in professional and academic contexts. Overall, "become indistinguishable" is a reliable and effective way to convey the idea of things becoming impossible to tell apart.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merge into one

Focuses on the act of combining into a single entity, losing individual identities.

blur together

Emphasizes the loss of clear boundaries and definitions.

become unified

Highlights the process of forming a cohesive whole.

lose definition

Focuses on the disappearance of distinct qualities.

fuse together

Implies a strong bonding or merging of elements.

blend seamlessly

Emphasizes a smooth and undetectable transition between elements.

become homogeneous

Highlights the achievement of uniformity and lack of diversity.

converge into one

Stresses the coming together from different directions or points.

amalgamate

Focuses on the combination or consolidation of different elements.

assimilate

Highlights the process of one thing becoming part of another and losing its individual characteristics.

FAQs

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

You can use "become indistinguishable" to describe situations where two or more things have lost their distinct characteristics and are now virtually the same. For example, "Over time, the architectural styles "become indistinguishable"."

What are some alternatives to "become indistinguishable"?

Some alternatives include "merge into one", "blur together", or "become unified", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "become indistinguishable"?

Yes, "become indistinguishable" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig confirms its validity.

What does it mean when two things "become indistinguishable"?

It means that the differences between them have faded to the point where they are very difficult or impossible to tell apart.