becomes alert

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes alert" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of heightened awareness or readiness, often in response to a stimulus or situation. Example: "As the storm approached, the animals in the forest became alert to the changes in the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He moves with his small daughter to live with his sister in Toledo, where he becomes alert to his surroundings in a new way: "It was as if he were a long-dormant radio that had begun to receive signals".

The New York Times - Books

There, Bobby Horvath, who has worked with many injured New York CIty raptors, reported Monday afternoon that the owl was spending a lot of time "just kind of hunkered down," though he added, "It becomes alert when we open the cage to drop food in".

The New York Times

Although we have to be wary of it around the children – you can see the way it suddenly crouches and becomes alert when one of them starts wandering off alone – little Ossian gave it a loving stroke today, while cousin Eve, who is five, let it maul her foot playfully.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The therapist becomes alert to movement in language, to the disruption in the speech pattern, to the elements of surprise or reflection that halt a well-honed tale in its tracks, so that story or incident can be thought and felt about anew.

The Guardian - Books

Your employee on the ladder becomes alert to her predicament, puts down his tools, climbs down, crosses the lobby, smiles, and opens the door for her.

Forbes

Reading Davis, one becomes alert to an elegance peculiar to doubt.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

More commonly, patents are either self-referred, or referred by a member of the medical treatment team who becomes alerted to the patient's distress in the course of clinical care.

British Journal of Cancer

Attention revolves around alertness (the ability to become alert and focus on a task) and vigilance (sustained alertness).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Slowly, however, his aunt became alert to his presence.

The New Yorker

If a speeding car approaches, they become alert.

The Guardian

The body and mind become alert rather than passive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes alert" to describe a change in someone's or something's level of attention, often in response to a specific stimulus. For instance, "The security guard becomes alert when he hears a strange noise."

Common error

Avoid using "becomes alert" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and sophisticated synonyms like "gains awareness" or "exhibits heightened vigilance" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes alert" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in state. It describes the process of transitioning into a state of heightened awareness or vigilance. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, from describing animal behavior to human reactions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes alert" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase to describe a transformation into a state of heightened awareness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, showing its versatility across different contexts such as news, science, and general narratives. While not overly common, it is a useful way to show that some change in environment has modified someones or something's attentiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grows vigilant

Emphasizes a developing state of watchfulness.

heightens awareness

Focuses on the increase in conscious perception.

develops awareness

Highlights the gradual process of gaining understanding.

starts noticing

Implies a new beginning in observing surroundings.

turns watchful

Suggests a transformation into a state of observation.

awakens

Conveys a sense of coming alive or becoming responsive.

sharpens focus

Indicates an improvement in concentration and attention.

becomes conscious

Implies a transition into a state of being aware of one's surroundings.

pays closer attention

Suggests a deliberate act of focusing on details.

pricks up ears

An idiomatic expression for becoming suddenly attentive.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "becomes alert"?

You can use alternatives like "grows vigilant", "heightens awareness", or "develops awareness" depending on the context.

How to use "becomes alert" in a sentence?

You can use "becomes alert" to describe a change in someone's or something's level of attention. For example, "The dog becomes alert when it hears the doorbell."

Which is correct, "becomes alert" or "becomes alerted"?

"Becomes alert" is generally preferred. "Becomes alerted" is less common, but can be used when referring to someone being notified of something, although that would be a rare usage.

What's the difference between "becomes alert" and "becomes aware"?

"Becomes alert" suggests a heightened state of attention and readiness, whereas "becomes aware" implies gaining knowledge or understanding of something.