becoming popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming popular" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you are describing something that is gradually being accepted or appreciated by more and more people. For example, "Hand-drawn art is becoming increasingly popular among young people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Manganese oxide is becoming popular.

The Economist

And professional tournaments are becoming popular events.

Independent

Houseboats are becoming popular places to live.

Independent

First, the internet is becoming popular.

The Economist

Minimalism triumphed without ever becoming popular.

The New Yorker

This approach is becoming popular.

The Guardian

Canning is also becoming popular.

The New York Times - Food

Is Huddersfield in danger of becoming popular?

The New York Times - Arts

XML documents are becoming popular for business process integration.

Information Sciences

In addition, donation-based yoga studios are becoming popular.

The New York Times - Health

As such funds flag, more conservative funds are becoming popular.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becoming popular" to describe trends or changes that are gradually increasing in acceptance or visibility. For instance, instead of saying "everyone likes it now", you could write "organic food is becoming popular because of its health benefits".

Common error

Avoid using "becoming popular" for short-lived fads or trends that quickly disappear. It's more appropriate for changes with a sustained upward trajectory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming popular" functions as a descriptive expression indicating a trend or process of increasing acceptance or adoption. It is commonly used to highlight that something is in the process of gaining widespread recognition or favor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becoming popular" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe a trend or process of increasing acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. It signifies a gradual increase in favor or adoption, distinguishing it from phrases like "become popular" (a completed action) or "being popular" (a current state). While "becoming popular" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it for fleeting trends. Instead, reserve it for sustained growth. Alternatives such as "gaining popularity" or "on the rise" offer similar meanings with subtle nuances. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this expression, underscoring its reliability and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining popularity

Focuses on the act of gaining popularity, emphasizing the process.

rising in prominence

Emphasizes the increase in importance or visibility.

growing in favor

Highlights the increase in positive regard or acceptance.

catching on

Suggests something is becoming trendy or fashionable.

on the rise

Implies an upward trend in adoption or usage.

gaining ground

Indicates progress in acceptance or adoption.

becoming widespread

Highlights the increasing reach or distribution.

taking off

Suggests a rapid increase in popularity or success.

trending

Emphasizes current popularity and relevance.

in vogue

Focuses on the fashionable aspect of something becoming popular.

FAQs

How can I use "becoming popular" in a sentence?

You can use "becoming popular" to describe something that is increasingly liked or adopted. For example, "Remote work is "becoming popular" due to its flexibility".

What are some alternatives to "becoming popular"?

Alternatives include phrases like "gaining popularity", "trending", or "on the rise". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "become popular" instead of "becoming popular"?

"Become popular" implies a completed action, while "becoming popular" indicates an ongoing process. Use "become popular" when something has already achieved widespread acceptance, and "becoming popular" when it's in the process of doing so.

What's the difference between "becoming popular" and "being popular"?

"Becoming popular" describes a transition or trend, while "being popular" describes a current state. For example, "This app is "becoming popular"" suggests it's gaining users, while "This app is "being popular"" indicates it already has many users.