becomes less

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'becomes less' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when expressing a decrease in something such as quantity, intensity, size, etc. For example: As the night progresses, the temperature becomes less and less pleasant.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The market becomes less cheerful.

The New York Times - Books

That becomes less useful".

The Guardian - Arts

Either way, the loan becomes less profitable.

The Economist

And so aimlessness often becomes less spontaneous.

The New York Times - Travel

Self-doubt, therefore, becomes less likely.

The New Yorker

The vagina becomes less acidic, she added.

The New York Times

"Baseball becomes less important today.

The New York Times

It becomes less reflective of the surroundings".

The New York Times - Travel

Without sunlight, the frisée becomes less bitter and more tender.

The New York Times

The sitter becomes less selfish and more selfless.

The New Yorker

With every public relations gambit she becomes less sympathetic.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes less" to describe a gradual decline or reduction. It is suitable for situations where the change happens over time, rather than instantaneously.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overusing "becomes less". Vary your language by using synonyms like "diminishes", "decreases", or "reduces" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes less" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a process of reduction or diminution. It describes a change in state where something is decreasing in quantity, quality, or intensity, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes less" is a versatile and common expression used to describe a reduction or decline over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, it's important to be mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing, and to consider synonyms such as "diminishes", "decreases", or "reduces" for stylistic variation. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and acceptability in diverse writing scenarios. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreases

A general term indicating a reduction in quantity, size, or degree.

reduces

Highlights the act of making something smaller or less.

lessens

Implies a reduction in intensity or severity.

diminishes

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity.

wanes

Suggests a gradual decline, often used for abstract concepts like influence or power.

fades

Implies a gradual disappearance or weakening, often used for colors or memories.

abates

Indicates a decrease in intensity or force, often used for storms or pain.

tapers off

Suggests a gradual reduction to a point or end.

alleviates

Focuses on reducing suffering or pain.

mitigates

Emphasizes reducing the severity or impact of something negative.

FAQs

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

The phrase "becomes less" is used to indicate a decrease in something. For example, "As the night wore on, the noise "becomes less" frequent."

What are some alternatives to "becomes less"?

Alternatives include "diminishes", "decreases", "reduces", or "lessens". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "becomes less" in writing?

The phrase "becomes less" is appropriate in various contexts, from describing physical changes (e.g., "The light "becomes less" intense") to abstract concepts (e.g., "The interest "becomes less" evident").

What's the difference between "becomes less" and "is less"?

"Becomes less" implies a change over time, while "is less" describes a current state. For example, "The pain "becomes less"" suggests the pain is decreasing, whereas "The pain "is less"" simply states the current level of pain.