becomes still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes still" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of quietness or calmness, often in relation to movement or sound ceasing. Example: "As the sun set, the bustling city becomes still, allowing the stars to shine brightly in the night sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They expect engagement: if a moving object becomes still, they merely lose interest; if a person's face becomes still, however, they become distressed.

The New York Times - Magazine

If it becomes still more prevalent, this will put a big strain on the National Health Service.

The Economist

It becomes still more levitating and liberating - and frightening - in Ruscha's colour photographs of Nine Swimming Pools.

The Guardian - Arts

Once you recognise the strangeness of this hand, the beautiful body Michelangelo has carved becomes still more alive.

The Guardian - Arts

Early on, we also meet Mr. Berliner's mother, and his commitment to l'art pour l'art becomes still more clear.

The New York Times - Arts

THE LOOK An outpost of comfort and audaciously odd style in a neighborhood that, no matter how congested with tourists it becomes, still looks askance at these shoes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

May you become still, and in that stillness may you know peace.

Huffington Post

Action!" Everything became still.

The New York Times

Men's hose became still better-fitting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He smiles, but his face has become still.

The Guardian - Books

In the following months, Mandela became still more clearly the key to future peace in South Africa.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes still" to describe a transition into a state of calmness or inactivity, particularly when something was previously in motion or making noise. It's effective for conveying a sense of peace or resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "becomes still" in contexts where simpler words like "stops" or "quiets" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly embellished or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes still" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating a change of state. It describes the process of transitioning into a state of stillness or inactivity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes still" effectively portrays a transition into a state of quiet or inactivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and its usage is most prevalent in news and media and scientific writing. While the phrase is versatile, it is essential to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly descriptive. Consider alternatives like "falls still" or "quiets down" for different nuances. Be mindful of the context and avoid overusing the phrase in simpler writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falls still

This alternative replaces "becomes" with "falls", suggesting a more sudden transition into stillness.

becomes motionless

This alternative focuses on the absence of movement, highlighting the physical aspect of stillness.

grows still

Using "grows" implies a gradual process of becoming still, rather than an immediate state.

turns still

"Turns" suggests a change of state, similar to "becomes", but can imply a deliberate action.

settles down

This phrase implies a return to a calmer state after a period of activity or disturbance.

comes to rest

This phrase evokes a sense of finality and completion of movement.

quiets down

Implies a reduction in activity or noise, leading to a state of stillness or peace.

ceases moving

This is a literal description of stopping movement, lacking the nuance of "becomes still".

halts motion

This alternative is more formal and technical, often used in scientific or mechanical contexts.

is stilled

This passive construction emphasizes an external force causing the stillness.

FAQs

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

Use "becomes still" to describe a state of transition into calmness or inactivity. For example, "After the storm, the sea "becomes still"" or "As the music faded, the room "becomes still"."

What are some alternatives to "becomes still"?

Alternatives include "falls still", "grows still", "turns still", "settles down", and "comes to rest", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the transition into a state of stillness, suggesting a previous state of activity or motion. It can add a touch of elegance or emphasis to your description.

Is "becomes still" formal or informal?

"Becomes still" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, simpler alternatives like "stops" or "quiets" might be more appropriate in very informal settings.