becomes contaminated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes contaminated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the process of something being tainted or polluted, often in relation to food, water, or environments. Example: "If the water supply is not properly treated, it becomes contaminated and unsafe for drinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

How can a brewery keep going if its water supply becomes contaminated, or is at risk of contamination?" The motion is not without precedent.

Independent

The mean number of contacts required by each patient per day is defined as c, with p being the probability that a patient becomes colonized on contact with a contaminated HCW, and p' to be the probability that a HCW becomes contaminated on contact with a colonized patient.

BMC Infectious Diseases

The air, water and land becomes contaminated and people notice.

Columbia University

When Amfortas goes offstage to bathe, it becomes contaminated with his blood.

The New Yorker

Some 100,000 gallons of groundwater a day enters the damaged reactor buildings and becomes contaminated.

The New York Times

In this scenario, food becomes contaminated by a bacterial pathogen, usually a Staphylococcus, Clostridium, or Bacillus species.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

These can become contaminated, causing costly stoppages.

The Economist

And thus became contaminated by atrocities.

Independent

Can one become contaminated by evil?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Food can become contaminated with bacteria, like listeria or salmonella.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How the scallions became contaminated is not known.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential risks, use "becomes contaminated" to highlight the process rather than a static state. For instance, 'If proper procedures aren't followed, the sample becomes contaminated', emphasizing the dynamic nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "becomes contaminated" too loosely in metaphorical senses where simpler terms like 'is compromised' or 'is tarnished' might be more appropriate. Overusing the term can dilute its impact in situations involving actual physical contamination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes contaminated" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating a process or change of state. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It highlights the action of something transitioning into a contaminated condition, as seen in examples about water, food, and environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "becomes contaminated" is a versatile verbal phrase used to describe the process by which something is tainted or polluted. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions about public health, environmental hazards, and safety procedures. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize the transition to a contaminated state. Be mindful of overuse in metaphorical contexts, where more appropriate terms might exist. Common synonyms include ""gets polluted"" and ""is tainted"". The wide array of examples suggests the phrase is very common and well-understood across various registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gets polluted

Focuses on the introduction of harmful substances into the environment.

is tainted

Suggests a degradation in quality or purity, often used metaphorically.

turns infectious

Highlights the development of an ability to transmit disease.

is rendered impure

Emphasizes the loss of purity and introduction of unwanted elements.

is infected

Specifically indicates the introduction of pathogens or disease-causing agents.

is spoiled

Implies that something has gone bad and is no longer fit for use or consumption.

is adulterated

Focuses on the act of making something inferior or impure by adding another substance.

suffers pollution

Describes the passive experience of being affected by pollutants.

is corrupted

Suggests a moral or ethical degradation, as well as a physical one.

deteriorates in quality

Indicates a decline in the standard or condition of something due to contamination or other factors.

FAQs

How can I use "becomes contaminated" in a sentence?

You can use "becomes contaminated" to describe a process where something is tainted or polluted. For example, "If the water supply is not properly treated, it "becomes contaminated" and unsafe for drinking."

What are some alternatives to "becomes contaminated"?

You can use alternatives like "gets polluted", "is tainted", or "is infected" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "becomes contaminated" or "is contaminated"?

"Becomes contaminated" describes the process of something being contaminated, while "is contaminated" describes the state of being contaminated. Use "becomes contaminated" to emphasize the transition.

What's the difference between "becomes contaminated" and "becomes infected"?

"Becomes contaminated" refers to the introduction of any unwanted or harmful substance, while "becomes infected" specifically refers to the introduction of pathogens or disease-causing agents.