becomes desperate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes desperate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something reaches a point of extreme need or urgency. Example: "As the deadline approached, she becomes desperate to finish her project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

She becomes desperate almost instantly".

The Guardian - Books

"Nothing happens until it becomes desperate.

The Guardian

Mr. Wright is hoping the seller becomes "desperate," he said.

The New York Times

Some of this flaming luridness is exciting, but Rodriguez quickly becomes desperate.

The New Yorker

The plaintive vocal of Choose Me becomes desperate and Timeless's melancholy is newly harsh.

The Guardian - Music

The situation becomes desperate when hospitals in financial difficulty make up the deficit by taking on more private treatment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

People become desperate.

The Guardian

Ministers became desperate.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In my experience, parents become desperate.

The New York Times

report, you might become desperate.

The New York Times

Some abused women become desperate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes desperate" to depict a character's or entity's reaction to increasingly difficult or hopeless situations, emphasizing the urgency and potential for extreme actions. For instance, "As the floodwaters rose, the villagers became desperate for rescue".

Common error

Avoid using "becomes desperate" for situations that are merely inconvenient or frustrating. The phrase implies a high level of urgency, fear, and potential for drastic action. If the situation doesn't warrant such intensity, consider milder alternatives such as "becomes anxious" or "grows concerned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes desperate" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transformation into a state of extreme urgency or need. This transformation often implies that the subject is now willing to take significant risks or employ unconventional methods to resolve a difficult situation. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in both narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

18%

Books

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes desperate" is a grammatically sound verb phrase commonly employed to depict a transition to a state of heightened urgency and potential risk-taking. As illustrated by Ludwig, the phrase functions to emphasize the criticality of a situation, often in news and media contexts, but also in books and wiki-based content. While versatile, it is crucial to ensure that the intensity of the phrase aligns with the severity of the described situation, avoiding its use for minor inconveniences. As Ludwig AI suggests, alternative expressions such as "grows frantic" or "turns urgent" may be more appropriate in less severe contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feels utterly hopeless

Emphasizes the feeling of despair and lack of hope, core components of desperation.

loses all hope

Highlights the absence of hope, a key element of feeling desperate, but lacks the active sense of urgency.

reaches a crisis point

Implies a culminating moment of intense difficulty or danger, similar to desperation but focuses on the situation's peak.

is at wit's end

Implies a state where one's mental resources are exhausted, leading to desperate measures.

is driven to the edge

Suggests that someone is pushed to their limit, nearly overwhelmed by circumstances, echoing the desperation of the original phrase.

is in dire straits

Indicates a severe and precarious situation, reflecting the severity that leads to desperation.

descends into frenzy

Conveys a state of heightened emotional agitation and frantic behavior, often associated with desperation.

is reduced to extremities

Highlights the use of extreme measures as a result of a dire situation, akin to the actions taken when one becomes desperate.

panics

Highlights the emotional response of fear and anxiety, a common reaction when someone becomes desperate.

faces an emergency

Focuses on the urgency and critical nature of the situation, similar to the urgency implied by desperation.

FAQs

How can I use "becomes desperate" effectively in a sentence?

Use "becomes desperate" to describe a character or situation that has reached a critical point, where the individual or entity is willing to take significant risks to alleviate their circumstances. For example, "The company became desperate for funding after losing its major contract".

What are some alternatives to "becomes desperate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "grows frantic", "turns urgent", "loses hope", or "reaches a crisis point".

Is it appropriate to use "becomes desperate" in formal writing?

Yes, "becomes desperate" is suitable for formal writing as long as the context warrants the level of intensity the phrase conveys. Ensure that the situation truly reflects a state of urgency and potential for extreme actions.

What's the difference between "becomes anxious" and "becomes desperate"?

"Becomes anxious" suggests a state of worry or unease, whereas "becomes desperate" indicates a much stronger emotional state characterized by a sense of hopelessness and a willingness to take extreme measures to resolve a problem. Desperation implies a higher level of intensity and urgency.