become known

USAGE SUMMARY

"become known" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has become known to the public, or known by a particular group or person. For example, "His decision to take a stand against corruption has become known by many in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It took us awhile to become known".

The New York Times

Her bodyguards become known for their brutality.

Independent

These transients have become known as glitches.

Engineering Digital Design

"We don't want him to become known.

The Guardian

…has become known as the American Henley.

Britannica

This has become known as "the muscle model" of willpower.

Stanford University

It has become known as Statsaken på Akershus.

Stanford University

"Thankfully, I've had other things that I've become known for.

The New Yorker

Another issue is what's become known as "the gap".

The New Yorker

Gradually, their work started to become known around the world.

The New Yorker

Belichick has become known for his somber news conferences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become known" to describe a gradual process of gaining recognition, rather than a sudden event. For instance, a scientist might "become known" for their research over several years.

Common error

Avoid using "become known" to describe someone achieving instant fame or recognition overnight. Phrases like "burst onto the scene" or "shot to stardom" are more appropriate for sudden fame.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become known" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of gaining recognition or fame. Ludwig examples show it used to describe how individuals, ideas, or events gradually achieve visibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become known" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of gaining recognition or fame. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in news, science, and academic contexts, indicating its neutrality and usefulness across various domains. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to use it to describe gradual processes rather than sudden events. Alternatives like "gain recognition" and "rise to prominence" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Overall, "become known" is a reliable and widely understood phrase in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become recognized

Similar meaning but uses a more passive voice.

gain recognition

Focuses on the act of receiving recognition rather than the process of becoming known.

come to be known

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the process over time.

gain notoriety

Implies becoming known for negative reasons.

achieve fame

Suggests a higher level of recognition, often associated with celebrity status.

establish a reputation

Highlights the building of a lasting impression over time.

rise to prominence

Suggests a gradual ascent to a position of importance or visibility.

make a name for oneself

Implies effort and personal agency in becoming known.

get discovered

Often implies a more sudden or accidental finding of talent or ability.

build a profile

Suggests deliberate actions to increase visibility and recognition.

FAQs

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

Use "become known" to describe a gradual process of gaining recognition over time. For example: "The artist "became known" for their unique style after years of exhibiting their work."

What are some alternatives to using "become known"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "gain recognition", "become recognized", or "rise to prominence".

Is it correct to say "became knowing" instead of "become known"?

No, "became knowing" has a different meaning. It suggests that someone gained knowledge or understanding, while "become known" refers to gaining recognition or fame.

What's the difference between "become known" and "be known as"?

"Become known" implies a process of gaining recognition, while "be known as" describes a current state of being recognized for something. For example, "He has become known for his research," versus "He is known as a leading expert in his field."