become so

USAGE SUMMARY

"become so" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express the idea that something has increased greatly in size, magnitude, intensity, etc. For example, "Due to the lockdown, the number of online shoppers has become so great that the delivery networks can't keep up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They have become so.

The New Yorker

You become so blindly egocentric.

The New York Times

It's just become so elusive.

The New York Times

Lately, I'd become so vulnerable.

The New Yorker

Fashion has become so whatever.

The New York Times

have become so popular.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You become so close".

The New York Times

Why has that moment become so meaningful?

The New Yorker

Because this has become so intertwined.

The New Yorker

How did we become so entitled?

The New York Times

But it has become so widespread.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become so" to effectively describe a significant change or evolution in a subject's state or condition. Ensure the context clearly indicates the extent or degree of the transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "become so" in simple sentences where a more direct verb or adjective would suffice. For example, instead of "It has become so cold", consider simply saying "It is freezing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become so" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change or transformation to a certain degree. As Ludwig AI states, this indicates an increase in size, magnitude, or intensity. The provided examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in describing how something has reached a particular state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become so" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a transformation or change in state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, indicating its suitability for describing evolving situations. When writing, remember to use it precisely to convey significant change, avoiding overuse in simple sentences. Alternatives like "evolve to such a degree" or "transform to that extent" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase "become so" effectively communicates how something has progressed to a particular condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change so drastically

Emphasizes the extent and intensity of the change that has occurred.

evolve to such a degree

Emphasizes gradual development and transformation into a specific state.

get to this point

Indicates reaching a specific stage or situation after a period of time or effort.

develop to such a point

Indicates a progression over time, reaching a particular stage or condition.

transform to that extent

Highlights a complete change resulting in reaching a certain level or degree.

progress to this stage

Suggests advancement and reaching a new phase or level of development.

reach such a state

Focuses on attaining a specific condition or situation.

grow to that level

Focuses on the increase in size, importance, or intensity, attaining a specific magnitude.

mature to this degree

Emphasizes the completion of growth and development, reaching a certain level of maturity.

arrive at this condition

Highlights the final state or situation that has been reached.

FAQs

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

The phrase "become so" is used to indicate a change to a certain degree or state. For instance, "The problem has "become so" complex that it requires expert intervention".

What are some alternatives to "become so"?

You can use phrases like "evolve to such a degree", "transform to that extent", or "grow to that level" as alternatives to "become so", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "become so" in formal writing?

Yes, "become so" is acceptable in formal writing. However, ensure that it is used precisely to describe a significant change or transformation. Consider whether a more concise alternative might be more effective. For example you could write "changed drastically".

What's the difference between "become so" and "became so"?

"Become so" is typically used in present perfect tense, indicating a change that has occurred up to the present, while "became so" is in the simple past tense, indicating a change that occurred and concluded in the past. For example, "Technology has "become so" advanced" versus "Technology became so advanced during the war".