dream of becoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dream of becoming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to express someone's deep desire to become something. For example, "Since childhood, Mark has had a dream of becoming a world-renowned chef."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What did they dream of becoming?

The New York Times

Young girls dream of becoming models.

The Guardian - Books

Now Muslim girls can dream of becoming Carrie Prejean, too.

The New York Times

Well there goes your dream of becoming mayor.

The New York Times

Those kids may dream of becoming Camby someday.

The New York Times - Sports

No, you didn't achieve your dream of becoming an astronaut.

The New Yorker

I dream of becoming an adult one day.

The Guardian - Sport

There went my dream of becoming a gentleman farmer.

The New York Times

I love animals and dream of becoming a jockey.

The Guardian

Armstrong's dream of becoming a third option appears unrealistic.

The New Yorker

AS Americans, we've been raised on the notion that any child could dream of becoming president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dream of becoming" to express a heartfelt aspiration, especially when referring to long-term goals or childhood ambitions.

Common error

Avoid using "dream of becoming" excessively in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for stronger, more direct phrases like "aim to be" or "aspire to be" for a more impactful and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dream of becoming" functions as a verb phrase expressing a deeply held aspiration or ambition. As seen in Ludwig, it connects a subjective feeling (dream) with a future state (becoming something specific).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dream of becoming" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a deep aspiration or ambition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it may be more appropriate to use stronger alternatives in formal or professional settings. When using this phrase, consider whether a more direct expression of ambition, like "aspire to become", might be more impactful. Remember, it often implies a long-held, possibly idealized aspiration. However, it effectively conveys a personal hope for the future, blending the subjective emotion of dreaming with the concrete goal of transformation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aspire to become

Replaces "dream" with "aspire", suggesting a more active and intentional pursuit.

yearn to be

Uses "yearn" to emphasize a deep longing or desire for a specific state.

long to transform into

Highlights the transformative aspect of the desire.

have ambitions to be

Focuses on having concrete ambitions rather than a dream.

harbor a wish to become

Emphasizes the private and cherished nature of the desire.

desire to evolve into

Highlights the process of evolving and developing into something else.

aim to turn into

Suggests a deliberate and directed effort towards transformation.

have a vision of becoming

Emphasizes the clarity and vividness of the future state.

hope to grow into

Highlights the aspect of gradual growth and development.

crave to turn oneself into

Uses "crave" to suggest a strong and urgent desire for self-transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "dream of becoming" in a sentence?

You can use "dream of becoming" to express a strong aspiration or ambition. For example, "She always had a "dream of becoming" a doctor" or "Many children "dream of becoming" astronauts".

What are some alternatives to "dream of becoming"?

Alternatives include "aspire to become", "aim to be", or "have ambitions to be". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "dream of becoming" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "dream of becoming" can sound less formal. For professional contexts, consider alternatives like "strive to be" or "aim to be".

What's the difference between "dream of becoming" and "hope to become"?

"Dream of becoming" often implies a long-held, possibly idealized aspiration, while "hope to become" suggests a more immediate and realistic expectation or desire.