become petrified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become petrified" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to become very afraid or frightened, typically to the point of being unable to move or think clearly. Example: The hikers became petrified when they heard the loud growl of a bear in the distance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That of a man who, in his depression, had become petrified even of visiting his heated local swimming pool, becoming the man who can swim in a freezing bog pool in Shropshire in November.

Independent

Eventually, they may become petrified and preserved indefinitely with the rocks in which they are embedded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now that the vampire film has become petrified by its own popularity, Only Lovers Left Alive may be arriving just in time.

The Guardian - Film

Just the thing to ensure that such forms of higher education do not become "petrified or icebound".Janet Robinson Hay-on-Wye Hay-on-Wye Hay-on-Wyen VenezuelaSIR – Bello's column on Venezuela (June 21st) gave an erroneous account of who has been resPowysble for mosThef the deaths during this year's violent protests.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I became petrified that he was stuck in the street".

The New York Times

As a result of a variety of conditions, small pockets of plant debris in Carboniferous swamps, infiltrated by mineral salts, became petrified rather than changed into coal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One literally contains nature's jewels: a display of amber, sap that oozed out of a wound in a tree and became petrified over the ages.

The New York Times

"I was terrified of leaving the house, and I became petrified of death, of the mysteries of the universe, and of being alone.

BBC

The ore settled as deposits and the vegetation became petrified.

Wikipedia

Their negotiating partner is the office of Very Serious Deficit Hawk Paul Ryan, whose eponymous budget would have managed to increase the deficit while simultaneously devastating the poor and middle class with cuts so draconian that Republicans who voted for it eventually became petrified that it might actually become law.

Huffington Post

I was terrified to be alone so instead of dealing with my anxiety and emotions, I allowed myself to become some petrified victim and got stuck living with someone who never let me drive, get a job, go to college, or see anyone, hardly.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become petrified" to vividly describe a state of extreme fear or emotional paralysis, creating a strong image in the reader's mind. For example, "The witness became petrified when confronted with the evidence."

Common error

Avoid overuse of figurative language when using "become petrified". While it's a strong image, ensure it fits the context. Overusing it can make your writing seem melodramatic. Strive for balance and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become petrified" functions as a verb phrase where "become" is a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "petrified", describing a state of transformation into extreme fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "become petrified" effectively illustrates the transition into a state of extreme fear, rendering someone immobile or mentally paralyzed. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, finding use across various contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts. Although the phrase is relatively uncommon, it provides a vivid and powerful way to express intense fear. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid melodrama and maintain clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives such as "grow terrified" or "freeze in fear" to adjust the intensity of the imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow terrified

Emphasizes the process of becoming scared, similar to "become petrified".

turn to stone

Uses a more metaphorical expression of paralysis due to fear.

freeze in fear

Highlights the inability to move as a result of fear.

be paralyzed with fear

Focuses on the paralyzing effect of intense fear.

become frightened stiff

Stresses the physical tension caused by fear.

get really scared

Offers a more informal way to express becoming afraid.

be struck with terror

Focuses on the sudden impact of terror.

get the jitters

Indicates a state of nervousness and unease.

be scared witless

Suggests being frightened to the point of losing one's ability to think.

be scared out of one's wits

Implies extreme fright, almost to the point of insanity.

FAQs

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

You can use "become petrified" to describe someone who is extremely frightened and unable to move or think clearly. For instance, "She "became petrified" when she heard the sudden noise".

What are some alternatives to "become petrified"?

Alternatives include "grow terrified", "turn to stone", or "freeze in fear", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "become petrified" or "be petrified"?

"Become petrified" describes the process of becoming extremely frightened, while "be petrified" describes the state of being extremely frightened. Choose the one that fits the context of your sentence.

What does it mean to "become petrified" in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, to "become petrified" means to be so overwhelmed with fear or shock that one is rendered motionless or unable to act. It suggests a state of emotional or mental paralysis.