has become a thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has become a thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has recently become a thing in society or culture. For example, "Veganism has become a thing in the past few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Real debate has become a thing of the past.

The New York Times

Phone tag has become a thing of the past.

The Economist

The world, too, has become a thing that we destroy in The Walking Dead.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This intimate at-home mood has become a thing at the moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

AS house prices on Long Island have soared, the starter home has become a thing of the past.

The New York Times

The screeners saw plenty of fillings and crowns but concluded that "regular dental care has become a thing of the past" for many of the residents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Lemons, for the most part, have become a thing of the past.

The New Yorker

In the same way that Valentine's Day and Halloween have become "a thing".

The Guardian - Opinion

More recently the future seems to have become a thing of the past.

The Guardian - Music

Riskey had a theory about what caused this surge: Eating real meals had become a thing of the past.

The New York Times - Magazine

But for the most part, category-killing artists — true, undeniable superstars — have become a thing of the past.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has become a thing" to describe trends, behaviors, or concepts that have recently gained prominence and recognition. Ensure that your context clearly identifies what "thing" you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "has become a thing" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "has become established" or "has gained prominence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has become a thing" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that something has recently emerged or gained prominence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from social trends to cultural shifts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has become a thing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has recently gained prominence or popularity. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, but should be used judiciously in more formal writing. While widely used, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "has gained traction" or "has become established" to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has turned into a phenomenon

Focuses on the transformative aspect of something becoming widely recognized and observed.

is now commonplace

Emphasizes the widespread acceptance and ordinary nature of something.

is now part of the culture

Highlights the integration of something into the prevailing social norms and practices.

has gained traction

Indicates that something is gaining momentum and becoming more popular.

has taken off

Suggests a rapid increase in popularity or usage.

has become established

Highlights the firm entrenchment and widespread acceptance of something.

is all the rage

Indicates that something is currently very popular or fashionable.

has become fashionable

Focuses on the aspect of something becoming trendy.

is increasingly prevalent

Emphasizes the growing presence and frequency of something.

is the new normal

Indicates that something has become the accepted standard or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "has become a thing" in a sentence?

You can use "has become a thing" to describe something that has recently gained popularity or recognition. For example, "Sustainable living "has become a thing" as more people prioritize environmental awareness."

What are some alternatives to using "has become a thing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has gained popularity", "has become commonplace", or "is now a trend".

Is "has become a thing" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "has become a thing" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, it's best to use more sophisticated alternatives like "has gained prominence" or "has become established".

What does it mean when something "has become a thing"?

It means that something has recently emerged as a notable trend, practice, or phenomenon. It implies that it's now recognized or discussed more widely than before.