is becoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is becoming" is both correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an action that is in progress or beginning to happen, as in the following example: "The river is becoming more polluted with each passing year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is becoming nobody.

Independent

Food is becoming tasteless.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is becoming ridiculous".

The New York Times - Arts

Chinatown is becoming Americanized.

The New Yorker

Enforcement is becoming stricter.

The New York Times

Manhattan is becoming Malibu.

The New York Times

"Compensation is becoming obscene.

The New York Times

And perception is becoming reality.

The New York Times

But this is becoming passé.

The New York Times

Yet this is becoming commonplace.

The Economist

Food is becoming a problem.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is becoming" to describe a process that is currently underway but not yet complete. For example, "The project is becoming more complex as we gather more data."

Common error

Avoid using "is becoming" with stative verbs that describe states of being rather than actions. For instance, instead of saying "He is becoming knowing the answer", say "He is learning the answer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is becoming" functions as a present continuous form of the verb 'to become'. It describes an action or state that is currently in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is becoming" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes an ongoing process of change or development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When writing, ensure it's paired with dynamic actions rather than stative verbs to maintain accuracy and clarity. For alternative expressions, consider options like "is evolving into", "is transforming into", or "is turning into", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is on the way to becoming

Emphasizes the direction and progress towards a future state.

is evolving into

Emphasizes a gradual and continuous change over time.

is developing into

Focuses on the progressive growth and maturation of something.

is transforming into

Suggests a more significant and dramatic change.

is growing into

Similar to developing, but implies a more natural and organic process.

is turning into

A more informal way of expressing a change in state.

is emerging as

Suggests something is coming into prominence or visibility.

is maturing into

Highlights the process of reaching full development or potential.

is shaping up to be

Indicates that something is progressing in a specific direction.

is getting to be

A more colloquial alternative, implying a gradual shift in condition.

FAQs

How can I use "is becoming" in a sentence?

Use "is becoming" to describe something that is in the process of changing or developing. For example, "The weather "is becoming" warmer" or "She "is becoming" a talented artist".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "is becoming"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "is evolving into", "is transforming into", or "is turning into".

Is it correct to say "is become" instead of "is becoming"?

No, "is become" is not standard English. The correct progressive form is ""is becoming"", which indicates an ongoing process.

What is the difference between "is becoming" and "has become"?

"Is becoming" describes a process that is currently underway, while "has become" describes a completed transformation. For example, "The situation "is becoming" critical" (it's getting worse), versus "The situation has become critical" (it's now in a critical state).