had become like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had become like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a transformation or change in state, often in comparison to something else. Example: "Over the years, the once vibrant city had become like a ghost town, with empty streets and abandoned buildings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The Florrick name, he said, had become "like Blagojevich").

The New Yorker

He complained that regular soldiers had become "like wives reading letters from the trenches".

The Guardian - Books

He said that, over time, writing Wonderful Life had become "like living with a stone in your shoe".

The Guardian - Music

"Electricity had become like air.

The New York Times

We had become like one big family.

The New Yorker

Now architecture had become "like pulling teeth", he complained.

The Guardian - Arts

I saw how I had become like my mother.

The New York Times

Terry had become like a surrogate father to me.

The New York Times

Being Olympic royalty here had become, like the British monarchy, largely ceremonial.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ready-to-wear had become like a kind of fake couture," he says.

The New Yorker

Her children and others there, she said, had become like "zombies; there was no emotion".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had become like", ensure the comparison is clear and adds meaningful context to the description. For instance, instead of simply stating something "had become like" something else, explain why or how it resembles that comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "had become like" in vague or generic ways. Provide specific details to support the comparison. For example, instead of saying 'The city had become like a ghost town', specify 'The city had become like a ghost town, with boarded-up shops and deserted streets'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had become like" functions as a verb phrase that establishes a comparison, indicating that something has transitioned into a state resembling something else. It connects a subject to a comparative description. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had become like" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to draw comparisons and illustrate change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure the comparison is clear and adds meaningful context. Be specific with your examples in order to enhance clarity and ensure your readers understand the degree and nature of the transformation you're describing. Alternatives such as "had transformed into" and "had turned into" can provide nuanced variations to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had transformed into

Emphasizes a complete change in form or appearance.

had turned into

Suggests a gradual change or evolution over time.

was now similar to

Highlights the resemblance to something else after a change.

had grown to be

Indicates a gradual development into a certain state.

had evolved into

Focuses on a complex or natural process of change.

now resembled

Similar to 'was now similar to' but slightly more formal.

had become analogous to

Highlights a comparison based on a perceived analogy.

was akin to

Suggests a close relationship or similarity.

had virtually become

Implies near-complete transformation.

had effectively become

Indicates a practical or functional change.

FAQs

How can I use "had become like" in a sentence?

Use "had become like" to draw a comparison between something in its current state and something else that shares similar characteristics. For example: "After years of neglect, the garden "had become like" a wilderness".

What can I say instead of "had become like"?

You can use alternatives like "had transformed into", "had turned into", or "was now similar to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "had become like" and "had been like"?

"Had become like" implies a process of change leading to a current state of similarity, whereas "had been like" refers to a state that existed in the past. For example, "The situation "had become like" a nightmare" suggests it changed into a nightmare, while "The situation had been like a nightmare" suggests it was always nightmarish.

Is "had become like" formal or informal?

"Had become like" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "had evolved into" or "had become analogous to".