becomes them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becomes them" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is suitable or appropriate for someone, often in the context of behavior or appearance. Example: "The elegant dress really becomes them, enhancing their natural beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Dubious company becomes them.

The New York Times - Books

Al Pacino becomes them," Lee Strasberg, the longtime director of the Actors Studio, said.

The New Yorker

Mr. Valdes imposes a tightness on his bands no matter what; perhaps a little underpreparedness becomes them.

The New York Times - Arts

It's just that bit when it steps over the line and becomes them and us, and you can't recognise good play for what it is".

The Guardian - Sport

Marvellous mimic that he is, he doesn't so much tell us about the movie characters who've taken up residence in his head – he physically becomes them.

The Guardian

Her friend Ruby Wax, and co-star in Girls On Top, the 1980s sitcom centred around the adventures of four female flatmates and their landlady, once noted that Saunders has "this deadly blank face and she sucks the personality out of people and becomes them".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You become them.

The Guardian

But introspection doesn't become them.

The New York Times - Arts

We will have become them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mourning does not become them.

The New York Times

Watching such films, we become them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes them" when you want to suggest that a particular style, behavior, or quality is especially fitting or attractive on someone. It often implies a positive transformation or enhancement.

Common error

Avoid using "becomes them" when simply describing a general characteristic without implying a specific enhancement or suitability. For instance, saying "Laziness becomes them" is grammatically correct but may not convey the intended meaning effectively if it doesn't suggest an ironic or stylistic choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes them" functions as a linking verb connecting a subject to a predicate adjective or noun, indicating that something is suitable or adds positively to the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "becomes them" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered expression used to convey that something particularly suits or enhances an individual's qualities or appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects an enhancement or suitability; otherwise, consider alternatives like "suits them" or "befits them" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is becoming to them

Similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different word order.

suits them

Focuses on the idea that something looks good or is appropriate for someone.

is well-suited to them

Emphasizes the compatibility or appropriateness for a particular person or group.

befits them

Emphasizes that something is particularly appropriate or suitable, often in a formal context.

is flattering on them

Specifically refers to how something enhances someone's appearance.

complements them

Highlights how something adds to or improves someone's qualities.

enhances their qualities

Directly states the improvement or augmentation of positive attributes.

agrees with them

Implies harmony or compatibility between something and someone's characteristics.

is their style

Focuses on whether something aligns with someone's personal taste or manner.

is advantageous for them

Highlights the benefits or positive outcomes resulting from something.

FAQs

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

You can use "becomes them" to suggest that something particularly suits someone, enhancing their appearance or character. For example, "The new hairstyle really becomes them."

What's a similar phrase to "becomes them"?

A similar phrase is "suits them", which also indicates that something looks good or is appropriate for someone.

Is it ever incorrect to use "becomes them"?

While grammatically correct, using "becomes them" might be inappropriate if the context doesn't involve enhancement or suitability. Ensure the subject benefits or is complemented by the thing that "becomes" them.

What does "becomes them" imply about the subject?

"Becomes them" implies that something is particularly flattering or suitable for the subject, highlighting their positive qualities or appearance. It suggests an added benefit or enhancement.