have become obsolete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have become obsolete" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is no longer in use or relevant, often due to advancements or changes in technology or society. Example: "With the rise of smartphones, traditional flip phones have become obsolete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Those very icons that define a sailor have become obsolete.

The New York Times

As a technology, nuclear weapons have become obsolete.

The New Yorker

It is not as though traditional agencies have become obsolete, of course.

The New York Times

Despite the scrutiny that data received during the year 2000 overhaul, many practices have become obsolete.

The New York Times

In that period, he and others said, the technology will have become obsolete.

The New York Times

As a result, federal regulators are questioning whether fears of corporate media domination have become obsolete.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

HPTs, and toads, had become obsolete.

The Guardian

By the 14th century, however, scutage had become obsolete.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I assumed they had become obsolete in the early 20th century.

The Guardian

The tower had become obsolete, and the architects pooled their money to purchase it.

The New York Times

The stretcher had become obsolete because of improved joining and gluing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about technology, use "have become obsolete" to clearly indicate that a technology is no longer in use due to newer, more efficient alternatives. For example: "Floppy disks have become obsolete due to the prevalence of USB drives."

Common error

While "have become obsolete" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "are no longer used" or "are outdated" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have become obsolete" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a particular noun is no longer in use or relevant due to advancements, changes, or other factors. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Huffington Post

7%

Wiki

3%

The Guardian - Opinion

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have become obsolete" is a grammatically sound and widely used verb phrase indicating that something is no longer in use or relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to formal writing. For casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be preferable. Common usage involves describing technologies, practices, or ideas that are outdated, so be mindful to use "has become obsolete" for singular nouns. Overall, "have become obsolete" effectively communicates that something has lost its practical value due to change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are no longer in use

This is a straightforward statement about the current status, lacking the implication of a reason for the change.

are no longer relevant

Highlights the loss of pertinence or applicability, suggesting a change in circumstances.

have fallen into disuse

This suggests a gradual decline in usage due to neglect or lack of need, differing from immediate obsolescence.

are outdated

Similar to 'are out of date', but perhaps placing a bit more emphasis on the process of something becoming old.

have become antiquated

Similar to 'are outdated' but can imply that something is old-fashioned or no longer suitable for modern use.

are out of date

This indicates that something is old and no longer meets current standards, implying a need for modernization.

are archaic

Indicates that something is very old or old-fashioned and no longer in common use.

are a thing of the past

This phrase has a more emphatic tone, conveying that something belongs firmly to a previous era.

are passé

This implies that something was once fashionable or popular but is now considered outmoded.

are superannuated

A more formal word indicating something retired or discharged due to age or infirmity.

FAQs

What does "have become obsolete" mean?

The phrase "have become obsolete" means that something is no longer used or relevant because it is outdated or has been replaced by something newer or more effective.

How can I use "have become obsolete" in a sentence?

You can use "have become obsolete" to describe technologies, practices, or ideas that are no longer current. For example, "Typewriters "have become obsolete" with the advent of computers."

What are some alternatives to "have become obsolete"?

Alternatives to "have become obsolete" include "are outdated", "are no longer relevant", or "have fallen into disuse".

Is it correct to say "has become obsolete" instead of "have become obsolete"?

Yes, "has become obsolete" is correct when referring to a singular noun (e.g. "That technology has become obsolete"), while "have become obsolete" is used for plural nouns (e.g. "Those technologies have become obsolete").