becomes known

USAGE SUMMARY

"becomes known" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to something that is revealed or made public. Example: "The secret becomes known after the investigation." Alternative expressions include "is revealed" and "comes to light."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The choreography becomes known.

The New Yorker

> becomes known easily guessable to the attacker.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Roy becomes known as Small Person Racist.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He becomes known to the police.

The Guardian

The area becomes known as the Gashouse District.

The New York Times

1910's: Smith Street becomes known as furniture row.

The New York Times

He becomes known on campus as the universal loser.

The New York Times - Books

It quickly becomes known as the Thunder Chicken.

The New York Times

Waddell later founds what becomes known as the "Gay Games".

The New York Times

Suffice it to say the stick becomes known as Stickerino.

The New York Times - Books

And this becomes known as Lord — logically, Lord Dunmore's Proclamation, November 7, 1775.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or technical reporting, utilize this phrase to describe variables or data points that are determined during or after an experiment.

Common error

Do not use "becomes known" if the subject was already widely recognized. It implies a change from an unknown or differently-named state to a known one. If the state is static, simply use "is known".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes known" functions as a complex predicate combining the linking verb "become" with the past participle "known". According to Ludwig AI, it typically introduces a complement that specifies a name, a role or a fact. It describes a transition of state (stative process) where the subject enters a condition of being recognized or understood by others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes known" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the moment or process by which information or identity is revealed. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a staple of high-quality English writing, appearing frequently in authoritative news outlets and academic journals. It is most effective when used to describe the naming of historical entities, the outcome of scientific measurements or the exposure of previously hidden truths. Writers should favor this phrase over more informal alternatives like "gets known" to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comes to light

Uses a metaphor of lighting to suggest something hidden is now visible.

is made known

Emphasizes that an agent or person intentionally shared the information.

is revealed

Shifts to a passive voice focusing on the act of unveiling the information.

becomes public

Specifically denotes that the information is now available to the general populace.

emerges

Suggests a more gradual or natural process of becoming visible or known.

surfaces

Often used for information that was buried or suppressed before appearing.

transpires

A more formal term often used in narrative contexts to describe how facts become clear.

is uncovered

Implies an active effort or investigation led to the knowledge.

comes out

Commonly used for secrets or personal information being shared.

gets out

Much more informal and often implies the leak of a secret.

FAQs

How to use "becomes known" in a sentence?

You can use it to show a change in status or discovery, such as: "The truth eventually "becomes known" after the investigation."

What can I say instead of "becomes known"?

Depending on your context, you can use phrases like "comes to light", "is revealed", or "emerges".

Is "becomes known" better than "gets known"?

Yes, "becomes known" is significantly more professional and standard in written English. "Gets known" is often considered too informal for academic or journalistic writing.

What is the difference between "becomes known" and "becomes famous"?

While "becomes famous" implies widespread celebrity, "becomes known" is broader and can refer to a specific fact, a technical term or a niche reputation that is not necessarily tied to fame.