becoming a saint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming a saint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing spiritual growth, moral development, or the process of being recognized as a saint in religious traditions. Example: "After years of selfless service and devotion, she is truly on the path of becoming a saint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

-- If you become pope, you have a 1-in-3 chance of becoming a saint.

Huffington Post

If you had been frank, you would have known the sweetest moments of your life.... Since leaving I have become tremendously pure, and if I manage to survive I'm thinking of becoming a saint.

The New Yorker

How about becoming a saint?

The New York Times

What's more, he has lifted the block on Oscar Romero becoming a saint.

Independent

The process of becoming a saint cannot usually begin until five years after the person's death.

The Guardian

Two years after her death, the Vatican began the process of beatification, the first stage of becoming a saint.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

She reminds me of Celia Coplestone, the shallow socialite in T. S. Eliot's "The Cocktail Party," who, devastated by a love that isn't truly reciprocated, surprises everyone in the last act by going off to do humanitarian work in a desolate corner of Africa and becoming a kind of saint.

The New Yorker

Iñarritu sees Hugh Glass as becoming "a man, a beast, a saint, a martyr, a spirit".

The Guardian - Film

I remain a saint, an exceedingly rich saint, and I'm close to becoming a national treasure.

The New Yorker

In 1973, Murray left academia for the Episcopal Church, becoming a priest, and was named an Episcopal saint in 2012.

Wikipedia

He says, in his occasionally overheated way, that Augustine was a pagan before he was a saint, that Paul was a Jew before becoming a revolutionary Christian, that Luther was a priest before becoming a Protestant, and Kennedy..

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "becoming a saint", consider the specific religious or cultural context to ensure appropriate and respectful language. In some cases, it refers to a formal recognition, while in others, it describes a personal spiritual journey.

Common error

Avoid assuming that performing good deeds automatically leads to "becoming a saint". The process often involves rigorous investigation, demonstration of miracles, and formal recognition by a religious authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming a saint" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the process or state of achieving sainthood, often within a religious context. Ludwig shows its use in describing both the formal process and the metaphorical journey.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becoming a saint" refers to the process of achieving sainthood, whether through formal religious procedures or by embodying saintly virtues. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki and Scientific contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, understanding the specific religious or cultural context is important for appropriate usage. Common errors involve misunderstanding the formal process of canonization. Alternative phrases include "achieving sainthood" and "attaining sanctity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieving sainthood

Focuses on the attainment of the state of being a saint, emphasizing the accomplishment.

attaining sanctity

Highlights the achievement of holiness, a core attribute of sainthood.

progressing towards sainthood

Emphasizes the ongoing journey and steps involved in the process of becoming a saint.

on the path to sainthood

Similar to "progressing towards sainthood" but with a more metaphorical and less formal tone.

working towards canonization

Specifically refers to the official process within the Catholic Church for declaring someone a saint.

living a saintly life

Highlights the virtuous and holy manner of living that is characteristic of saints.

developing saintly virtues

Focuses on the cultivation of the moral and spiritual qualities associated with saints.

emulating the saints

Suggests following the example and teachings of recognized saints.

aspiring to holiness

Highlights the ambition and intent to achieve a state of spiritual purity.

cultivating righteousness

Emphasizes the development of moral uprightness and virtuous behavior.

FAQs

How does someone "become a saint" in the Catholic Church?

The process of "becoming a saint" in the Catholic Church involves several stages, including being declared a Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed (through beatification), and finally, Saint (through canonization). Miracles are typically required for beatification and canonization.

What is the first step towards "becoming a saint"?

The first formal step toward "becoming a saint" is being declared a Servant of God, which begins after a formal request and investigation into the person's life and virtues.

What is the difference between beatification and canonization when "becoming a saint"?

Beatification is the penultimate step in "becoming a saint" and requires the verification of one miracle. Canonization, the final step, typically requires a second miracle (though exceptions can be made) and officially declares the person a saint.

Can anyone "become a saint", or are there specific requirements?

While anyone can theoretically "become a saint", the process requires demonstrating heroic virtue, living a life of holiness, and often the performance of miracles attributed to their intercession. The Catholic Church has a detailed process for evaluating candidates.