could become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could become" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a possible result or outcome in the future. For example: "If left unchecked, this problem could become serious."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Food could become cheaper.

The Economist

You could become claustrophobic.

The New York Times

Devolution could become easier.

The Economist

How rich we could become.

The New York Times

Trophy campuses could become relics.

The Economist

Transmissions could become entirely electronic.

The Economist

It could become more competitive.

The New York Times

It could become a tradition.

The New York Times

But they could become connected.

The New York Times

Farm workers could become farmers.

Independent

It could become worse quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could become" to express possibilities and potential outcomes that are not certain but are reasonably likely. This adds a layer of nuance compared to stronger assertions.

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal contexts. While acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound speculative. Balance it with stronger verbs or more decisive phrasing when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Could become" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that something has the capacity or likelihood to transform into a different state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could become" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express potential future states or developments. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, writers should aim to use it mindfully and opt for stronger verbs when a more decisive tone is needed. Remember to consider alternatives like "might evolve into" or "may develop into" for increased sophistication and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might evolve into

Emphasizes a gradual transformation over time.

may develop into

Suggests a potential for growth or progression.

has the potential to be

Highlights the inherent possibility of becoming something.

is likely to transform into

Indicates a high probability of change.

is on track to turn into

Suggests a current trajectory leading to a future state.

could transform itself into

Emphasis on the transformation.

is poised to develop into

Implies readiness and preparation for future development.

is shaping up to be

Focuses on the formative stages of development.

runs the risk of turning into

Highlights a negative potential outcome.

is projected to morph into

Suggests a predicted and often dramatic change.

FAQs

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

Use "could become" to indicate a potential future state or development. For example, "If we invest in renewable energy, our country "could become" a leader in green technology."

What's a more formal alternative to "could become"?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "may evolve into", "has the potential to be", or "is projected to become" for a more sophisticated tone. For example, instead of saying "this project "could become" successful", you might say "this project has the potential to be successful".

What's the difference between "could become" and "will become"?

"Could become" expresses a possibility, while "will become" suggests a higher degree of certainty. Use "could become" when the outcome is not guaranteed. For example, "If we act now, the situation "could become" manageable," versus "the situation will become critical if we don't act."

Is "could become" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "could become" is appropriate in academic writing when discussing potential future outcomes or developments that are not certain. However, ensure that your claims are supported by evidence and analysis. You may also replace it with "might evolve into" or "may develop into".