becomes stained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes stained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or material that changes to a stained condition, often due to contact with a substance that leaves a mark or discoloration. Example: "The white shirt becomes stained after spilling coffee on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

(I know marble becomes stained, but blemishes add texture and flaunt the history of many happy meals).

The New York Times

In this scenario, faith becomes stained with politics and politics becomes infused with one faith's ideals to the detriment of that faith and all others.

Huffington Post

Nausicaä liberates the baby Ohm and gains its trust; in the process, her pink dress becomes stained by its blue blood, turning completely blue.

Wikipedia

When it becomes stained, it determines the color of your tooth.

WikiHow

Rinse the washcloth frequently with water or replace the paper towel when it becomes stained.

WikiHow

Note that you may need to apply more toothpaste to the cloth as you work, and you may need to switch which section of the cloth you use if the original section becomes stained.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Faultless, she has nonetheless sinned; spotless, she has become stained.

The Guardian - Arts

They have first stripped to their underpants, perhaps because they thought their clothes would become stained.

The Guardian - Film

When I turn over a leaf my fingers become stained with powdery purple spores erupting through its surface.

The Guardian

In a fourth, a boy stood still, facing front, while his white shirt became stained by blood-red streaks.

The New York Times - Arts

Bits of glass from broken Coca-Cola bottles were scattered on the floor, and as they danced the map became stained with blood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the process of something "becoming stained", consider the cause of the staining and specify the staining agent for clarity and detail. This adds depth to the description, making it more informative.

Common error

Avoid using "becomes stained" in a vague context. Always clarify what caused the staining or what the staining substance is, to provide a clearer and more descriptive image for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes stained" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of change where something acquires a stain. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It connects a subject with a condition that results from an external influence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes stained" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the process of something acquiring a stain. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is usable and correct in written English. While "becomes stained" is not extremely common, with examples across news, wiki, and scientific sources, it serves to describe a transformation—either physical or metaphorical—where something is marked or altered by an external substance or event. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; specifying the staining agent enhances the descriptive quality and communicative impact. Alternatives like "gets discolored" or "acquires a stain" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquires a stain

Highlights the action of obtaining a stain.

gets discolored

Focuses on a change in color, similar to staining.

becomes soiled

Emphasizes the acquisition of dirt or grime.

gets spotted

Emphasizes the appearance of spots or small marks.

turns tainted

Implies contamination or corruption, adding a negative connotation.

becomes dirty

Describes a change in cleanliness, suggesting the acquisition of dirt.

is marked

Describes the presence of a visible mark.

becomes tarnished

Suggests a loss of luster or shine.

gathers blemishes

Indicates the accumulation of imperfections.

is imprinted

Suggests the application of a lasting mark.

FAQs

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

You can use "becomes stained" to describe a change in condition, such as "The tablecloth becomes stained with red wine" or "Her reputation becomes stained by scandal".

What is a synonym for "becomes stained"?

Synonyms include "gets discolored", "becomes soiled", or "acquires a stain", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "becomes stained" or "gets stained"?

Both "becomes stained" and "gets stained" are grammatically correct, but "becomes stained" often implies a more gradual or permanent change, whereas "gets stained" can suggest a more immediate or accidental occurrence.

What does it mean when something 'becomes stained' metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "becomes stained" can mean that something, like a reputation or legacy, is tarnished or damaged, similar to how a physical object might become discolored by a stain. It implies a loss of purity or integrity.