becomes gray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes gray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in color or state, often in reference to aging, fading, or a transformation. Example: "As the years passed, her once vibrant hair slowly becomes gray."

✓ Grammatically correct

Aging descriptions

Color change in nature

Figurative language

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Colorless becomes gray.

The New Yorker

Among older males and females, the forehead often becomes bald and the back becomes gray.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the students cross their fingers and hope for the big morning announcement every time the sky becomes gray, two years, they say, is a long time to think back on their last lucky break.

The New York Times

The villain's hair becomes gray at the temples, to which fact notice is called, but his eyes are still bright and his figure retains its pristine contour.The miniature figure of Time, as a Comedian and not as the gray-haired and bearded old man with the scythe, darts into this picture occasionally, treading the leaves of his big book, and then with herculean effort turning over the pages.

The New York Times

When we add the Na2S into the solution, the color of solution becomes gray black.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It is light green when young, but becomes gray in age or when dry.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Aging is strange because black and white becomes grayer over time.

Huffington Post

This is Jordan Crane, who I always think of as boyish even as his face gets wrinkled and his hair becomes grayer.

Vice

Over time it becomes grayer, simply because the more people, entities, and situations he has to deal with on an ever-increasing scale, the more he's forced to compromise inside himself to get the job done.

Huffington Post

Raycom CEO, Pat LaPlatney, will become Gray's president and co-chief executive officer alongside Gray's Hilton Howell, who will also become executive chairman.

Forbes

We see how the black-and-white rules of engagement become gray and murky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes gray" to subtly denote aging, fading, or a shift in condition, especially when describing gradual changes in appearance or state. For example, instead of simply saying "His hair is gray", you could say "His hair slowly becomes gray, a testament to the passing years".

Common error

Avoid using "becomes gray" in situations where a more direct or vivid description would be more impactful. For example, instead of "The sky becomes gray with impending doom", consider a stronger description like "The sky darkens ominously, heavy with the threat of a storm".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes gray" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a process of transformation towards a gray color or a state resembling grayness. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it describes gradual changes or shifts in condition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes gray" effectively conveys a transformation toward a state of grayness, whether in color, condition, or clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from describing aging and fading to representing abstract shifts in situations. Its versatility and widespread acceptance make it a reliable choice for writers seeking to depict gradual or subtle changes. While "becomes gray" enjoys a neutral register applicable to various situations, users should be mindful to avoid overusing it in contexts where more vibrant language can be used for a stronger effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turns gray

Direct synonym emphasizing the action of changing color.

changes to gray

Highlights the transition from one state to another, focusing on the resulting color.

grays

Shorter, more concise way to express the same idea, implying a gradual shift.

takes on a gray hue

Focuses on the acquisition of a gray color or shade.

acquires a gray tint

Emphasizes the addition of gray as a subtle layer or shade.

fades to gray

Suggests a gradual loss of original color leading to gray.

loses color and becomes gray

Combines the fading of color with the eventual graying.

progresses to gray

Highlights the gradual and ongoing nature of the change.

morphs into gray

Implies a more dramatic or complete transformation into gray.

transitions to gray

Formal way to describe a shift or change toward gray.

FAQs

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

You can use "becomes gray" to describe the process of something changing to the color gray. For example, "As the metal aged, it "becomes gray" with rust".

What's a more concise way to say "becomes gray"?

A more concise alternative to "becomes gray" is simply "grays". For instance, "His hair grays with each passing year".

Is it always about color when something "becomes gray"?

Not always. "Becomes gray" can also describe a situation that "becomes murky" or less clear, such as "The political situation "becomes gray" as more players enter the arena".

What words are similar to "becomes gray" when talking about fading?

When discussing fading, alternatives to "becomes gray" include "fades to gray" or "loses color". These emphasize the loss of the original hue.