it became apparent that

USAGE SUMMARY

'it became apparent that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce a fact that is gradually recognized or understood. For example: It became apparent that the city was in need of a better public transportation system.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It became apparent that the T.R.E.

The New York Times

"It became apparent that he was drinking water," Lampton said.

The New Yorker

It became apparent that the man was Paul Nicholson, 71.

The New York Times

"It became apparent that Rex was our guy," Johnson said.

The New York Times - Sports

It became apparent that they knew what they would do.

The Guardian - Film

Over time it became apparent that Asunta was special.

The Guardian

It became apparent that the outlook for this varies.

The Guardian

"It became apparent that this was the perfect badge".

The New York Times

(Later, it became apparent that an overturned truck carrying toilets was largely responsible for the mess).

The New York Times

As I turned another switch, it became apparent that I had lost some sense of direction.

The New Yorker

"We moved very quickly when it became apparent that we needed a good story".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger verbs like 'emerged', 'transpired', or 'realized' for more impactful writing if appropriate for the context.

Common error

While versatile, "it became apparent that" can sound passive. In formal writing, replace it with a more direct statement to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of "It became apparent that the project was failing", try "The project's failure was evident."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became apparent that" functions as a clause introducer, signaling the emergence of a realization or understanding. According to Ludwig, this phrase is often used to introduce facts gradually recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it became apparent that" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a realization or understanding that develops over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While suitable for many situations, writers should consider more direct alternatives in formal writing for increased impact and clarity. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for a broad audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was clear that

Focuses on clarity and obviousness of the realization.

it was evident that

Emphasizes the easiness of observation and inference.

it emerged that

Suggests a gradual unfolding or discovery of information.

it transpired that

Implies that a fact became known, often unexpectedly.

it turned out that

Indicates a discovery or realization that contradicts prior expectations.

it was understood that

Highlights common understanding or general acceptance of information.

it was realized that

Focuses on the act of understanding something for the first time.

the realization dawned that

More figurative, suggesting a sudden and impactful understanding.

it was discerned that

Emphasizes a careful and perceptive discovery.

it was gathered that

Suggests information was collected from various sources and then understood.

FAQs

How can I use "it became apparent that" in a sentence?

Use "it became apparent that" to introduce a fact or understanding that emerged gradually. For example: "It became apparent that the budget cuts would affect the entire department".

What can I say instead of "it became apparent that"?

You can use alternatives like "it was clear that", "it was evident that", or "it emerged that" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it became apparent that" formal or informal?

"It became apparent that" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider more concise alternatives for a stronger impact.

What is the difference between "it became apparent that" and "it was obvious that"?

"It became apparent that" suggests a gradual understanding or realization, while "it was obvious that" implies the information was easily noticeable from the beginning.