begin to become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to become" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of starting to change or develop into something else. Example: "As the seasons change, the trees begin to become bare, shedding their leaves for the winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back in Moscow, however, the script changes and things begin to become murkier (see article).

The Economist

It is precisely at this moment that you begin to become a brand new father.

The New York Times

At what point does a story cease simply to be absurd and begin to become sinister?

The Guardian - Opinion

His pieces start around $20,000 and then begin to become expensive.

The New York Times

"Then, and only then, could wine begin to become a respectable part of American life and culture".

The New York Times - Books

Forecasters warned the wet weather would continue into Monday night, but said it would begin to become drier from then on.

Independent

As the current density is increased, the concentration gradient needed to maintain a corresponding diffusion flux of the species concerned must begin to become appreciable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In about 10 to 15 minutes, when artichokes begin to become tender add garlic and olives and continue to cook, stirring occasionally.

The New York Times

"You can't legislate how people dress, but you can legislate when people begin to become indecent by exposing their body parts".

The New York Times

Immediately add the mushrooms, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the pepper and cook, stirring, until the mushrooms just begin to become tender, about 3 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The spat opens up a subject that has long been a talking point – when did the 40th president begin to become mentally impaired by the disease.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to become" to describe a gradual change or transition. It's suitable when something is in the initial stages of transforming into something else. It avoids the implication of sudden transformation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, overuse of "begin to become" can make your writing sound verbose. Consider more concise alternatives like "start becoming" or "begin transforming" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

"Begin to become" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as part of a verb phrase to indicate the commencement of a transformation or a gradual change. Ludwig examples illustrate it in diverse contexts, from physical changes to conceptual shifts. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English to describe a process of starting to change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

23%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Begin to become" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe the initial stage of a transformation or gradual change. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of potential verbosity and to consider more concise alternatives like "start becoming" when appropriate. Its usage spans a range of contexts from News & Media to Scientific domains, although being slightly formal, this phrase remains useful in general use. By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "begin to become" to describe processes of change with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to transform

Focuses on the commencement of a transformation process, implying a more significant change than just becoming.

start to evolve

Emphasizes a gradual development or unfolding over time, suggesting a more organic and less directed change.

commence to grow

Highlights the initial stage of increasing in size or complexity, often used in biological or developmental contexts.

initiate development

Focuses on the starting point of a more structured and planned process of growth or improvement.

enter the phase of

Highlights that something is entering a specific state of change.

get on the road to

Informal phrase indicating the start of a journey or process toward a particular outcome.

set out to be

Emphasizes intention and the starting point of striving toward a particular state or identity.

arise as

Focuses on the emergence or coming into existence of something in a particular form or role.

dawn into

Suggests a gradual realization or understanding, implying a slow and gentle transition into a new state.

move towards

Indicates movement in a direction, signifying a gradual progression toward a different state or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "begin to become" in a sentence?

The phrase "begin to become" is used to describe the initial stage of a transformation or change. For example, "As the days grow shorter, the leaves "begin to change" color and the air begins to become cooler".

What's the difference between "begin to become" and "start to become"?

Both "begin to become" and "start to become" are very similar in meaning, indicating the initial phase of a transition. "Begin" might suggest a slightly more formal or gradual initiation, while "start" can feel more immediate or abrupt. Both are often interchangeable.

Are there alternatives to "begin to become" that are less verbose?

Yes, you can use options like "start becoming", "begin to transform", or "start to evolve" depending on the context. These can often make your writing more concise and direct.

Is "begin to become" considered grammatically correct?

Yes, "begin to become" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard rules of English grammar, using the infinitive form of "begin" followed by the infinitive form of "become". It is used to express the commencement of a process of change.