become less common

USAGE SUMMARY

"become less common" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to describe a situation where something is occurring less frequently than it used to. For example, "Many species of plants are becoming less common due to human activities such as deforestation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Salary increases have also become less common.

The New York Times

But such players have become less common.

The New York Times - Sports

Just going outside and playing has become less common.

Harvard University

It will become less common as shallower reserves are exhausted.

The Economist

Moreover, his new data suggest that informal gatherings have become less common too.

The New York Times - Books

Random browsing might become less common, and words might fall out of use as a result.

The New Yorker

It is interesting that hallucinations become less common as we move towards adulthood.

The Guardian

As the world grows smaller and film productions grow increasingly international, subtitles may become less common.

The New York Times

Malibu officials expect that such lone efforts will become less common.

The New York Times

With current approaches to oxygen therapy and close monitoring, retinopathy of prematurity has become less common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As interest rates have risen in recent months, mortgage refinancing has become less common.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain clarity, avoid overuse of the phrase in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "decrease in prevalence" or "grow rarer".

Common error

Avoid using "become less common" without specifying a timeframe or context. Saying "technology will become less common" is too broad; instead, specify which technology and over what period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become less common" functions as a predicate describing a change in frequency or prevalence. It indicates that something is occurring or existing to a smaller degree than it once did. As Ludwig AI states, it's usable in various contexts to denote a reduction in occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

22%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become less common" is a versatile expression used to describe a decline in frequency or prevalence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. The analysis reveals its neutral register and informative purpose, making it suitable for conveying trends and shifts without excessive formality. While synonyms such as "grow rarer" and "diminish in frequency" offer variety, the core meaning remains consistent. To use the phrase effectively, remember to provide specific context and avoid broad generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become infrequent

Replaces 'less common' with a direct synonym, keeping the structure intact.

grow rarer

Simple and direct way of saying something is not seen as often.

decrease in prevalence

Focuses on the overall reduction in how widespread something is.

see a reduction

Highlights that there's an observed decrease.

diminish in frequency

Emphasizes the reduction in how often something occurs.

experience a decline

Focuses on the process of decreasing in occurrence or significance.

wane in popularity

Highlights a decline in how well-liked or accepted something is.

fall into disuse

Suggests something is no longer being used or practiced.

dwindle in number

Specifically indicates a decrease in quantity or count.

recede in importance

Indicates a lessening of significance or relevance.

FAQs

How can I use "become less common" in a sentence?

You can use "become less common" to describe trends or changes over time. For example, "Physical labor has "become less common" due to automation" or "Traditional family structures have "become less common" in many societies".

What are some alternatives to "become less common"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "decrease in prevalence", "grow rarer", or "diminish in frequency", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is becoming less common"?

Yes, "is becoming less common" is grammatically correct. It is the present continuous form, indicating an ongoing trend. For instance, "The use of leaded gasoline is becoming less common worldwide".

What's the difference between "become less common" and "was less common"?

"Become less common" indicates a current or future trend, while "was less common" refers to a past state. For example, "Single-parent households have "become less common" recently" suggests a current shift. "Arranged marriages were less common in Western societies a century ago" describes a past condition.