become ripe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become ripe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of fruit or vegetables reaching a stage of maturity suitable for consumption. Example: "The apples in the orchard will become ripe by late summer, ready for harvest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"But you don't get to choose, and it is possible at least to understand what Ernest Becker meant when he said something like 'To live fully is to live with an awareness of the rumble of terror that underlies everything,' or to begin to understand the line in 'King Lear' — 'Ripeness is all.' You might have chosen to become ripe less dramatically or dangerously, but you can still savor ripeness".

The New Yorker

In recent weeks, the topic has yet again become ripe for discussion.

The Guardian

And it's the context in which an entire industry – scholarly publishing – has become ripe for innovation.

The Guardian

But when compensation increases positions become ripe for abuse, and museum boards must look more closely.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you ate them a week or two after they had become ripe, the sugar burned in the throat.

The New Yorker

Avocados become ripe for a brief period between every third harvest moon and the onset of praying-mantis mating season.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

This materialist becomes ripe for some sort of conversion.

The Guardian - Books

When those were torn down, those avenues became ripe for high-rise development.

The New York Times

As Watson's sign became well known as the mantra of I.B.M., it became ripe for parody.

The New Yorker

For many years the neighbourhood retained a Jewish flavour, but eventually it became ripe for conversion to luxurious flats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"All breadfruit becomes ripe at the same time and so there's a glut in the market," Archambault says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the development of abstract concepts or situations, consider using "become ripe" metaphorically to suggest that they are ready for a particular action or outcome.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "become ripe" in overly formal or professional writing can sometimes sound awkward. Opt for alternatives like "mature" or "reach completion" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become ripe" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of change towards a state of readiness or maturity. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used to describe the natural progression of fruits and vegetables. However, it can also function metaphorically in other contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become ripe" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the process of maturing, most literally in the context of fruits and vegetables, but also metaphorically for less tangible subjects. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase is more common in news and media contexts and less frequent in formal or scientific writing. For a more formal tone, consider using "mature" or "reach maturity" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ripen

A more concise and direct verb, implying the natural process of becoming ripe.

become mature

Similar to "reach maturity" but emphasizes the process of developing maturity.

reach maturity

Emphasizes the attainment of full development or the final stage of growth.

be ready for harvest

Specifically refers to crops being at the correct stage for gathering.

reach its peak

Highlights the moment of greatest excellence or perfection.

enter its prime

Highlights the period when something is at its best and most effective.

come to fruition

Suggests the successful completion of a process or plan, often with positive results.

come of age

Often used metaphorically to describe a person or thing reaching a significant stage of development.

mature

Focuses on the development of qualities or abilities, rather than physical ripeness.

get ready

Indicates preparation or anticipation for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "become ripe" to describe fruits or vegetables reaching their peak, as in "The tomatoes will "become ripe" in late summer". It can also be used metaphorically.

What can I say instead of "become ripe"?

Alternatives include "ripen", "mature", or "reach maturity" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "become ripe" or is there a better way to phrase it?

"Become ripe" is perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct. The best phrasing depends on the desired nuance and context.

Can "become ripe" be used in a figurative sense?

Yes, "become ripe" can be used figuratively to suggest that a situation or idea is ready for action or development. For example, "The political climate has "become ripe" for change".