become rarer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become rarer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is increasingly difficult to find or less common over time. Example: "As urban development continues, natural habitats are becoming rarer in our cities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

War, famine and dictators have become rarer.

The Economist

Victories had become rarer for the Knicks in recent weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Such episodes have become rarer in recent decades.

The New York Times

Direct service from O'Hare to smaller markets will become rarer.

The New York Times

Secret funerals by candlelight in breach of strict government rules have become rarer.

The Economist

Gas stations may become rarer in the five boroughs, but they most likely will not completely disappear, Mr. Anton said.

The New York Times

While political killings have become rarer, there is fear they could resurface in the runup to the election.

The Guardian

It is true that American corporate law is too tolerant of poison pills, which is one reason why hostile takeovers have become rarer there.

The Economist

Unless it can keep down prices as it moves into this new market, loyal fans such as the Robertsons may become rarer.

The Economist

Non-white officers do indeed become rarer higher up the ladder (see table), but this is mainly because they are relative newcomers.

The Economist

With fewer rungs on the ladder, there is now less opportunity to make visible progress to the top: promotion within the company has become rarer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become rarer", consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate synonym for clarity and impact. For instance, in scientific writing, "diminish in prevalence" might be more suitable than "grow less common".

Common error

While "become rarer" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "less common" or "harder to find" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become rarer" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state. It describes the process of something decreasing in frequency or availability. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become rarer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a decrease in frequency or availability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and encyclopedic content. When writing, be mindful of the specific tone and consider synonyms like "grow less common" or "become increasingly scarce" for greater clarity and impact. While generally acceptable, avoid overuse in extremely informal contexts to maintain a natural style. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool for expressing trends and changes over time, as evidenced by its frequent use in reputable sources such as The Economist and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grow less common

Focuses on the diminishing commonality over time.

become increasingly scarce

Emphasizes the growing difficulty in finding or obtaining something.

dwindle in frequency

Highlights a gradual reduction in how often something occurs.

diminish in prevalence

Indicates a decrease in the extent to which something is widespread.

recede into infrequency

Suggests a movement away from being frequent.

become progressively limited

Highlights that the scope is more and more restricted.

becoming a rarity

Transforms the statement into the formation of a rare state.

on the decline

Uses a figurative expression to show a state of decrease.

start to disappear

Emphasizes a visual reduction in quantity.

fade from view

Uses a sensory description where something becomes unnoticeable.

FAQs

What does "become rarer" mean?

The phrase "become rarer" means that something is decreasing in frequency or becoming less common over time. It suggests a decline in availability or occurrence.

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

You can use "become rarer" to describe trends or changes. For example, "As technology advances, handwritten letters "grow less common"" or "Due to habitat loss, sightings of this bird species "become increasingly scarce"".

What are some alternatives to "become rarer"?

Alternatives to "become rarer" include "grow less common", "become increasingly scarce", "dwindle in frequency", or simply "decline". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "become rarer" or "is becoming rarer"?

Both "become rarer" and "is becoming rarer" are grammatically correct. "Become rarer" is often used in more general statements or predictions, while "is becoming rarer" emphasizes an ongoing trend or change happening in the present. Depending on the context, the best option can change.