become invisible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become invisible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process or action where someone or something is no longer visible or is hidden from sight. Example: "As the magician waved his wand, the rabbit seemed to become invisible before our eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I tried to become invisible.

Independent

She had become invisible.

The Guardian - Opinion

They then become invisible.

The Guardian - Books

So they become invisible.

The Guardian

In other words: At 55, I've become invisible to them, so they've become invisible to me.

The New York Times

– Jean, 73, US Older women become invisible.

The Guardian - Opinion

He thought it honourable to become invisible".

The Guardian - Music

They want us to become invisible".

The Guardian

The British Empire has become invisible.

The Guardian - Arts

In effect, the prisoners had become invisible.

The New Yorker

I've witnessed my friends become invisible, broken people.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become invisible" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's a literal or figurative disappearance. For instance, describe the specific means of vanishing (e.g., camouflage, technology) or the reasons for seeking invisibility (e.g., avoiding attention, escaping danger).

Common error

Avoid assuming that "become invisible" always implies a physical vanishing act. Figuratively, it often describes being ignored or overlooked. Make sure the sentence context supports the intended meaning to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become invisible" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a transformation or change of state. According to Ludwig AI, it's about transitioning from being visible to not being seen. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, from literal disappearances to figurative senses of being overlooked.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become invisible" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of disappearing, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, from physical invisibility to being overlooked or ignored. Its frequency is very common, appearing predominantly in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning—whether it's a literal vanishing act or a figurative sense of being unnoticed. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's broad applicability and nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vanish from sight

This alternative suggests a sudden disappearance from view, implying a quick and complete vanishing.

fade into the background

This phrase implies a gradual loss of prominence, blending in with the surroundings to avoid attention.

disappear without a trace

Suggests a complete absence, leaving no evidence of one's presence.

go unnoticed

This highlights the lack of attention received, emphasizing that someone or something is not being observed.

become undetectable

This implies being impossible to perceive or sense, often used in technical contexts.

lose visibility

Focuses on the reduction or absence of the ability to be seen.

slip away unnoticed

Suggests a discreet departure, avoiding any attention or detection.

blend into obscurity

This alternative emphasizes a gradual fading into a state of being unknown or forgotten.

efface oneself

This implies actively making oneself less noticeable, often through humility or self-deprecation.

cease to be seen

A more formal and direct way of stating the absence of visibility.

FAQs

How can the phrase "become invisible" be used figuratively?

Figuratively, "become invisible" describes a situation where someone is ignored, overlooked, or lacks influence, even when physically present. For instance, older women sometimes feel they "become invisible" in society.

What are some alternatives to "become invisible" that suggest a gradual disappearance?

Alternatives like "fade into the background" or "blend into obscurity" suggest a gradual process of becoming unnoticed, rather than a sudden vanishing.

Is it grammatically correct to say "becomes invisible"?

Yes, "becomes invisible" is grammatically correct. "Become invisible" is the infinitive form, while "becomes invisible" is the third-person singular present tense form. The choice depends on the sentence's subject and tense.

What's the difference between "become invisible" and "be invisible"?

"Become invisible" describes the process of turning invisible, while "be invisible" describes the state of being invisible. For example, "He wanted to become invisible" (the process) vs. "He wished to be invisible" (the state).