can become worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can become worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or material that may deteriorate or show signs of wear over time. Example: "The fabric of the sofa can become worn after years of use, requiring replacement or reupholstering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

During a game, the mound can become worn down.

The New York Times - Sports

Toyota said their accelerator pedals can become worn and difficult to operate or stick in a partly depressed position.

The New York Times

If you look for the entry Moebius strip in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, you will find the following very instructive example: "a drive belt can become worn out by friction with the wheels.

City, Territory and Architecture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

However winsomely delivered, though, the misery in human relationships can become wearing.

The Guardian - Music

This can become wearing, like watching a magician who invites you once too often to see for yourself that there is nothing up her sleeves.

The New York Times - Books

The Fool, whose riddles can become wearing, has had many lines cut and instead, stage left, tinkles out tunes as a kind of facetious commentary on a bare-fronted piano, which eerily continues to play on its own once the Fool has vanished from the play.

The Economist

As a reflection on the hectic pace of modern life, it works well, but in a novel this long it can become wearing and even the narrative snippets that are a mere page long hint at stories that I would gladly have followed.

The Guardian - Books

But when we don't attend to their stress and vicarious trauma, they can become worn-out and less effective, and in turn our students suffer.

University of California, Berkeley

We can become wearied, worn down and even joyless.

Huffington Post

The permanently lubricated tensioner pulley bearing can become dry, worn, loose, broken or can freeze up, so the best practice is to replace it, if it's not new.

WikiHow

Yet more just became worn out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can become worn" to describe the gradual process of something deteriorating due to use or exposure, indicating a potential future state.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice with "can become worn". Instead of "The brakes can become worn and need to be replaced", consider "Regular use can wear down the brakes, requiring replacement", which is more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can become worn" functions as a descriptor, indicating a potential state of deterioration or degradation. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing physical objects and materials. It combines a modal verb ("can") with a linking verb ("become") and an adjective ("worn").

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can become worn" is a grammatically correct and understandable descriptor used to indicate the potential for something to deteriorate over time. Ludwig examples show it commonly appearing in news, science, and wiki contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it effectively conveys the idea of gradual wear and tear and can be used in a variety of situations where describing potential degradation is necessary. This phrase is useful for providing information or warnings about the need for maintenance or care to prevent wear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might wear out

Highlights the eventual cessation of functionality due to wear.

could become damaged

Similar to 'may get damaged', but with a slightly stronger implication.

could deteriorate

Emphasizes a gradual decline in quality or condition.

can degrade

Similar to deteriorate, but often used in a more technical context.

may get damaged

Focuses on the potential for damage rather than general wear.

may suffer damage

Focuses on the negative impact of wear and tear.

may show wear and tear

More explicitly mentions the signs of use and aging.

can be impaired

Highlights that performance could be weakened because of wear

might get frayed

Specifically refers to the loosening of fabric threads.

might fail

Focuses on the possibilty of a total breakdown.

FAQs

What does "can become worn" mean?

The phrase "can become worn" describes the possibility of something deteriorating over time due to use, friction, or exposure. It implies a gradual process of wear and tear.

How can I use "can become worn" in a sentence?

You can use "can become worn" to describe various objects or materials. For example: "The tires on your car "can become worn" over time, reducing their effectiveness".

What are some synonyms for "can become worn"?

Some synonyms for "can become worn" include "may deteriorate", "might wear out", or "could get damaged". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "can become worn" or "becomes worn"?

"Can become worn" suggests a possibility or potential future state, while "becomes worn" indicates that the wear has already occurred. The choice depends on whether you are describing a potential or actual condition. For instance, "If not maintained, the chain "can become worn" over time" versus "The chain quickly "becomes worn" due to lack of lubrication".