it became certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became certain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something has been established or confirmed as true or definite. Example: "After reviewing all the evidence, it became certain that the theory was valid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When it became certain that the Soviet Union would veto his reelection in the Security Council, his term was extended for three years (without formal reelection) by the General Assembly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Mrs. Clinton's race, it became certain in recent days that she would face a primary, as Mark McMahon, a Manhattan doctor, filed far more than the 15,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cameron said: "You can get to a level of government debt where, not that it becomes certain that people will cease to lend you the money, but you start running risks of them demanding higher premia, higher interest rates.

The Guardian

Bryn Cinque, a first vice president at GVA Williams, said he was aware of several deals that companies are ready to make in Newark when it becomes certain the arena will be built.

The New York Times

The twenty-first century seems to be in no danger of losing that certainty (unless it becomes certain that life is now hypertext), and so the HarperCollins imprint It Books has re-issued "The Faith of Graffiti" in a large-format, inexpensive paperback, complete with thirty-two pages of new images.

The New Yorker

Disdainful of impediments, David did not take his condition seriously, and it eventually became certain it would kill him.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is when someone brings their consciousness to bear on the perception of my works that its uncertainty becomes certain and it becomes, for them, a painting, a drawing, or a sculpture.

Vice

Derek Bell pursued a sure double so deliberately that it became a certain triple.

The New York Times - Sports

It became nearly certain after OGX missed a $45 million bond payment on Oct. 1.

The New York Times

In the following days and weeks, however, it became increasingly certain that the assault had been a premeditated terrorist attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For overnight it became pretty certain that Davey Moore's fatal injury was not due to any blow he received from the victorious Sugar Ramos.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it became certain" when you want to emphasize the point at which something moved from a state of uncertainty to a state of definite knowledge. This phrase is effective in narrative and analytical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it became certain" when a simpler verb like "was" or "seemed" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Consider alternatives like "it was clear" or "it seemed certain" for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became certain" functions as a statement of realization or confirmation. It serves to highlight the point in time when something transitioned from a state of uncertainty to one of definite knowledge. Ludwig AI validates the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it became certain" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating when something transitions from uncertainty to a state of being definitively known. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is versatile enough for various contexts, with a neutral register suitable for news, encyclopedias, and more informal settings. While alternatives like "it became clear" or "it was confirmed" exist, "it became certain" specifically emphasizes a definitive shift to knowledge. When using this phrase, ensure it adds value by highlighting this transition, avoiding overuse with simpler verbs. With its clear meaning and versatile application, "it became certain" is a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became clear

Replaces "certain" with "clear", indicating the information became easily understandable.

it was confirmed

Replaces "became certain" with the single verb "confirmed", simplifying the phrase.

it was established

Uses "established" instead of "certain", suggesting that something has been proven.

it was determined

Substitutes "certain" with "determined", implying a conclusion has been reached after consideration.

it was ascertained

Replaces "became" with "was" and "certain" with "ascertained", indicating a formal discovery.

it transpired

Uses "transpired" to suggest the certainty unfolded or was revealed.

it emerged

Implies the certainty arose over time, subtly changing the focus.

the truth came out

Replaces the entire phrase with an expression emphasizing the revealing of truth.

the situation crystallized

Replaces the phrase with a more metaphorical expression.

the die was cast

This idiom suggests that a decision was made and became unchangeable.

FAQs

How can I use "it became certain" in a sentence?

Use "it became certain" to describe a situation where something transitioned from being uncertain to being definitively known. For example: "After analyzing the data, "it became certain" that the hypothesis was correct."

What's a good alternative to "it became certain"?

Alternatives include "it became clear", "it was confirmed", or "it was ascertained". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it became certain" formal or informal?

"It became certain" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal writing, making it a versatile phrase. However, in very informal contexts, you might opt for even simpler language.

What is the difference between "it became clear" and "it became certain"?

While both indicate a transition from uncertainty to understanding, "it became clear" suggests something became easy to understand, while "it became certain" indicates something became definitively known or confirmed.