become uncontrollable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become uncontrollable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior that spirals out of control or becomes difficult to manage. Example: "As the situation escalated, the crowd began to become uncontrollable, leading to chaos in the streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Enormous protests that become uncontrollable, perhaps violent, could follow.

The Economist

Another time the school asked Sam's grandmother to take him home after he had become uncontrollable.

The Guardian

At the same time, we must ensure the country does not become uncontrollable in the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Process input saturation always causes an added nonlinearity to the process, leading the process to become uncontrollable.

Journal of Process Control

A pilot conceded his plane had become uncontrollable and increased speed sharply during a period of severe turbulence.

The Guardian - Business

Were Chinese workers to achieve a democratic union system on their own terms, their demands may become uncontrollable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"People became uncontrollable," the father said.

The New York Times

She became uncontrollable and lapsed in and out of consciousness.

The New York Times

Furthermore, it handles the situation where the estimated plant becomes uncontrollable without any restrictive assumptions.

Automatica

But three years ago, her wife Heather became pregnant, Warners dropped the band, and the compulsion became uncontrollable.

The Guardian - Music

"The airplane, after landing, became uncontrollable," the investigator, who was not identified, was quoted as saying.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "become uncontrollable", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what is becoming uncontrollable: "the fire", "the crowd", or "the situation".

Common error

While "become uncontrollable" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Consider alternatives like "escalate beyond control" or "prove unmanageable" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become uncontrollable" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun (e.g., situation, emotion, process) as having lost the ability to be controlled. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

36%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become uncontrollable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a situation or entity that has escalated beyond the point of being managed or controlled. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across varied contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's best practice to clearly define the subject to avoid ambiguity. If you seek alternatives, phrases like ""get out of control"" or ""spiral out of control"" can be used depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become impossible to control

This is a more literal and emphatic way of expressing the same idea.

get out of control

This alternative implies a loss of regulation and order, similar to the query but more common.

get out of hand

This is a more colloquial expression for a situation becoming too difficult to manage.

spiral out of control

This suggests a rapid and accelerating loss of control, adding an element of escalation.

become unmanageable

This alternative focuses on the difficulty in managing or handling something.

become ungovernable

This term is typically used for political or social contexts, implying a breakdown in governance.

descend into chaos

This alternative implies a collapse into a state of disorder and confusion.

run rampant

This suggests unrestrained and unchecked spread or growth.

fall into disarray

This suggests a state of disorder and lack of organization.

exceed all limits

This phrase expresses that a limit was surpassed.

FAQs

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

You can use "become uncontrollable" to describe situations, emotions, or even physical processes that are no longer manageable. For example, "The protests "became uncontrollable" after the police intervention".

What phrases are similar to "become uncontrollable"?

Similar phrases include "get out of control", "spiral out of control", and "become unmanageable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "become uncontrollable" or "get uncontrollable"?

"Become uncontrollable" is generally preferred over "get uncontrollable" as it is more grammatically correct and sounds more natural in most contexts. "Get uncontrollable" is less formal and less common.

In what situations is "become uncontrollable" most appropriate?

The phrase "become uncontrollable" is most appropriate when describing a gradual process of losing control. It suggests a situation that was once manageable but has since escalated beyond the ability to control it. For example, you can use the phrase to describe the evolution of a disease, or the transition from a peaceful protest into a riot.