become serious

USAGE SUMMARY

"become serious" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone stops joking or acting in a relaxed manner in order to address a more serious matter. For example, "When it became clear that the situation was serious, the team became serious and got to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They then become serious.

The New York Times

Ring tones have become serious business.

The New York Times - Books

Hope they will realized before the global warming become serious.

Columbia University

He needs to become serious about balancing the budget.

The New York Times

Hidden problems are the ones that become serious threats eventually.

Harvard Business Review

But it is clear that the talks have become serious.

The New York Times

During the game, Walker's job has become serious.

The New York Times - Sports

Many more club fighters have become serious contenders.

The New York Times

It can become serious, it can become toxic".

The Guardian

global warming for years, choosing to believe the problem would not become serious.

Harvard University

Stuck in institutional hellholes, they're more likely to become serious criminals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become serious" to describe a change from a state of levity to one of gravity or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "become serious" too frequently in your writing without sufficient context. Overuse can dilute its impact, making the writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your phrasing to maintain reader engagement. Consider alternatives that more specifically describe the change in tone or behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become serious" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with an adjective that describes a state of being. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a transition to a state of increased gravity or importance. Examples from Ludwig show its common use in describing shifts in conversations or attitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become serious" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes a transition to a state of increased gravity or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts. When using "become serious", ensure sufficient context to clearly signal the shift in tone or attitude. Consider related phrases like "turn serious" or "begin to take seriously" for variety. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its frequent use across various reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn serious

Simple verb change that implies a transition to seriousness.

get serious

Informal alternative using "get" to indicate starting to be serious.

grow serious

Suggests a gradual development of seriousness.

start taking it seriously

More explicit phrase emphasizing the act of regarding something with importance.

begin to take seriously

Similar to the above, but with a formal tone.

become earnest

Replaces "serious" with a synonym, focusing on sincerity.

enter a serious phase

Emphasizes a transition into a period characterized by seriousness.

adopt a serious attitude

Focuses on the change in demeanor or approach.

take a turn for the serious

Suggests an unexpected or notable shift to a grave state.

move into a serious mode

Implies a conscious shift into a state of seriousness.

FAQs

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

You can use "become serious" to describe a shift in attitude or situation. For example, "The discussion "turned serious" when we started talking about finances".

What's a more formal way to say "become serious"?

More formal alternatives include "begin to take seriously" or "adopt a serious attitude", which suggest a more deliberate and considered approach.

When is it appropriate to use "become serious"?

It is appropriate to use "become serious" when describing a shift from a lighthearted or casual state to one that requires more attention, focus, or solemnity.

What are some common mistakes when using "become serious"?

A common mistake is using it without enough context, leaving the reader unsure about why the situation or person is changing. Always provide clear indicators of the shift.