becomes soiled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes soiled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that gets dirty or stained, often referring to fabrics or surfaces. Example: "The white tablecloth becomes soiled after the dinner party, requiring a thorough wash."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Few tasks are more like the torture of Sisyphus than housework, with its endless repetition: the clean becomes soiled, the soiled is made clean, over and over, day after day.

The Guardian - Books

However in most cases, the flight board gradually becomes soiled.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

The white shell is usually devoid of markings but soon becomes soiled with mud.

Wikipedia

"The mind that becomes soiled in youth can never be washed clean again; I know this by my own experience, and to this day I cherish an unappeasable bitterness against the unfaithful guardians of my young life, who not only permitted but compelled me to read an unexpurgated Bible through before I was 15 years old.

Huffington Post

This helps keep it cleaner when the bottom becomes soiled.

WikiHow

Rub the swab across the wires, twisting the swab when one side becomes soiled.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Thus drawings are made preferably from plaster casts, rather than ancient statues, which may have become soiled due to improper maintenance by the antiquarian.

The Guardian - Books

Another source reminds fathers not to hold a diapered child before afternoon prayers, lest he become soiled and miss the start of services.

The New York Times

Whatever the case, it seems unlikely that the cautious Obama, a true conservative at a moment when the term has become soiled by its current representatives, will preside over a new era of resurgent liberalism.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, a flock of about 1,000 rails, a type of wetland bird, struggled to fly on the beach after their feathers became soiled with oil.

Huffington Post

He developed the yellow-back as he disliked the white paper book-covers that became soiled and discoloured; as a result of this aversion he experimented with yellow paper by treating before adding the printed illustration.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "becomes soiled", consider the context. It's often suitable for describing items that are meant to be clean, such as clothing or surfaces, and emphasizes the process of getting dirty over time.

Common error

While "becomes soiled" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing. Simpler alternatives like "gets dirty" or more specific terms might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes soiled" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, describing a process of changing state to a dirty or stained condition. Ludwig confirms that the expression is correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "becomes soiled" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe the process of something getting dirty or stained. As Ludwig shows, it appears in diverse contexts, from everyday cleaning instructions to literary expressions. Although perfectly valid, remember that less formal or more precise phrasing may be more impactful or contextually suited. Frequency is relatively uncommon, yet Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gets dirty

A more general and common way to say something is no longer clean.

becomes stained

Specifically indicates the presence of a stain, rather than general soiling.

becomes contaminated

Implies the introduction of harmful substances, a more serious form of soiling.

becomes unclean

A slightly more formal way of saying something gets dirty.

is made dirty

Passive voice construction emphasizing the action of soiling.

is dirtied

A less common but direct way of saying something is made dirty.

acquires stains

Focuses on the result of soiling, the acquisition of stains.

is sullied

A more literary term for being soiled, often implying moral corruption or disgrace.

is defiled

Indicates a desecration or severe contamination, often with religious or symbolic significance.

loses its cleanliness

Emphasizes the loss of a previous state of cleanliness.

FAQs

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

You can use "becomes soiled" to describe something that gets dirty over time, such as "The white shirt becomes soiled after a day of gardening".

What can I say instead of "becomes soiled"?

You can use alternatives like "gets dirty", "becomes stained", or "becomes contaminated" depending on the context.

Is "becomes soiled" formal or informal?

"Becomes soiled" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. In very formal contexts, consider more precise language depending on the type of soiling.

When should I use "becomes soiled" versus "gets dirty"?

"Becomes soiled" implies a gradual process of getting dirty, whereas "gets dirty" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a prolonged process.