become loose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become loose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is no longer tight or secure, often referring to physical objects or situations. Example: "Over time, the screws in the chair began to become loose, causing it to wobble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Steel bolts at important locations also have a tendency to become loose.

The New York Times

Some poles have become loose, Mr. Vergne said, and the structure as a whole needs reinforcement.

The New York Times - Arts

The company said the bolt that secures the height adjuster actuator may become loose or fall out.

The Guardian - Business

If this condition is not rectified, there is a possibility that the wheel may become loose and detach".

The Guardian

So we decided to floor the engine and see what happened – the line would either snap or become loose.

The Guardian

When they become loose, asbestos fibers can be released into the air, and they become a health risk when inhaled.

The New York Times

VW has issued the alert after internal checks found a fastener in the pedal system could become loose.

The Guardian - Business

In a report filed early Wednesday on the safety agency's Web site, the automaker said the driver's side driveshaft could become loose while the vehicle was in motion.

The New York Times

Instead of fixed armies looking for opportunities, firms become loose networks that are forever reconfiguring themselves in response to a rapidly shifting landscape.

The Economist

This makes molecules to become loose to form a larger pool of molten material.

Nanoscale Research Letters

"Once stones start dropping out, others very quickly become loose behind them," Ms Crawley explained.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become loose", ensure the subject is something that can logically lose its tightness or security, such as a screw, a connection, or a bond.

Common error

Avoid using "become loose" to describe abstract concepts like morals or principles. Instead, use phrases like "weaken" or "erode" which are more appropriate for non-physical entities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become loose" functions as a linking verb plus adjective, describing a change in state. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It connects a subject to the adjective "loose", indicating that the subject is transitioning to a state of being not tightly fastened.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become loose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to describe the state of something that is losing its tightness or becoming detached. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general guides, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "come undone" or "get detached" exist, "become loose" is a direct and clear way to express this particular change in state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get unfastened

Specifically refers to the opening of a fastener.

come undone

Emphasizes the process of something detaching or separating.

become unsecured

Highlights the loss of secure attachment.

get detached

Focuses on the state of being separated from something else.

get dislodged

Focuses on the act of being forced out of place.

grow slack

Implies a gradual decrease in tension or tightness.

begin to separate

Emphasizes the initial stage of detachment.

turn wobbly

Suggests instability or shakiness as a result of loosening.

work free

Indicates that something has gradually dislodged itself.

fall apart

Implies a complete disintegration or separation of components.

FAQs

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

You can use "become loose" to describe physical objects that are no longer tight or secure. For example, "The screws in the old chair "become loose" over time."

What are some alternatives to saying "become loose"?

Alternatives include "come undone", "get detached", or "grow slack" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "became loosely" instead of "become loose"?

No, "became loosely" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""become loose"", where "loose" is an adjective describing the state of the subject.

What's the difference between "become loose" and "loosen"?

"Become loose" describes the state of something that has lost its tightness, while "loosen" is a verb that describes the action of making something less tight. For example, "The bolt will become loose" versus "Loosen the bolt".