become whole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become whole" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to become complete or reunite with something that was missing or broken. Example: After years of therapy, she was finally able to heal her past traumas and become whole again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Only then will they become whole creatures.

The Guardian - Books

Then allow the sauce to become whole again, stirring occasionally.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bach's stately sarabandes suddenly become whole with the dancing.

The New York Times - Arts

The disabled, like Avatar's Jake Sully, can become whole.

The New Yorker

"We need reconciliation so that broken families can become whole again," she said, "and we need reconciliation so that a broken country can become whole again".

The Guardian

Redemption through Christ could enable men to overcome sin and thus to become whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She must become whole in the waiting arms of the sea.

The New York Times - Books

Can they wait for New Orleans to become whole, economically viable as an N.B.A. market?

The New York Times - Sports

Here is a vivid picture of how we become whole – how we find gravity.

The Guardian - Books

"I knew that for those few hours I had become whole in myself, and perfect in myself, and in a manner of speaking, an aristocrat," he says.

The New Yorker

So even the apparently simple parable of Herr Puntila reveals the conflicting strands of human nature and the inability of fallen man to become whole again.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become whole" when describing a process of healing, integration, or achieving completeness, especially in contexts where something was previously broken or fragmented.

Common error

Avoid using "become whole" too liberally in abstract or metaphorical contexts where simpler terms like "complete" or "finished" might be more appropriate. Ensure the context warrants the deeper implication of restoring something to its original, undamaged state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become whole" functions as a predicate in sentences, typically following a subject and auxiliary verb (if present). It describes a process of achieving completeness, restoration, or integration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become whole" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression signifying a process of achieving completeness, healing, or integration. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is common across various contexts, from news and media to personal narratives. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "become whole", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overusing it in abstract contexts where simpler terms might suffice. Remember to check the "sentences examples" in Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieve wholeness

Focuses on the active attainment of a complete state, implying effort and intentionality.

find completeness

Emphasizes the discovery of a state of being complete, suggesting a journey or search.

attain integration

Highlights the unification of disparate parts into a cohesive whole, often used in psychological contexts.

restore oneself

Indicates a return to a previous state of well-being and integrity after a period of damage or fragmentation.

become integrated

Highlights the process of combining or coordinating separate elements into a unified whole.

find healing

Implies recovery from emotional or physical wounds, leading to a restored sense of self.

realize full potential

Focuses on developing all aspects of oneself to reach an optimal state of being.

reach fulfillment

Emphasizes the satisfaction and sense of completeness that comes from achieving one's goals and desires.

return to normalcy

Suggests a recovery from a state of crisis or abnormality, leading to a restored sense of order and well-being.

recover fully

Highlights the complete restoration of health, strength, or functionality after a period of illness or injury.

FAQs

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

You can use "become whole" to describe a person's journey to emotional recovery, a community's reconciliation after conflict, or the restoration of a damaged ecosystem. For example: "After years of therapy, she finally managed to "become whole" again."

What can I say instead of "become whole"?

You can use alternatives like "achieve wholeness", "find completeness", or "attain integration", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "become whole" or "became whole"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they are used in different tenses. "Become whole" is present tense (e.g., 'Therapy helps one "become whole"'), while "became whole" is past tense (e.g., 'After the crisis, the community "became whole" again').

What's the difference between "become whole" and "become complete"?

"Become whole" suggests restoring something that was broken or fragmented to its original state. "Become complete" simply means reaching a state of having all necessary parts or elements. For instance, a puzzle "become complete" when all pieces are in place, but a person "become whole" after overcoming emotional trauma.