it became common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or behavior that has become widely accepted or practiced over time. Example: "Over the years, it became common for people to work remotely, especially after the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It became common for a company to organize its products into a hierarchy, with individual brands at the bottom.

Duke University

Some twit tweeted it and it became common knowledge.

The Guardian - Sport

In the ensuing days, it became common knowledge that the killer was Wild Bill.

The New York Times

I banned laptops in the classroom after it became common practice to carry them to school.

The New Yorker

It became common to offer homebuyers loans to finance the entire purchase price of a home.

The New York Times

Pretty soon, it became common among Iraqis to call the American presence an "occupation".

The New York Times

And long before it became common practice, the secret ballot was used.

The New York Times

And it became common to reject any ancient story that wasn't really nailed down very, very firmly by some device.

Yale University

At protests, it became common to see photographs of Ambassador Patterson, a big red "X" drawn across her face.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Just in the last five years has it become common again.

The New York Times - Food

It seemed that natural selection has weeded out any disease-causing mutation before it becomes common.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it became common", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Maintaining clarity will help readers understand the evolution of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "it became common" without a clear referent for "it". The sentence might lack clarity if the reader cannot easily identify what became common.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became common" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that something has transitioned into a state of widespread occurrence or acceptance. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English for describing evolving situations. For instance, "It became common for ordinary people, especially Puritans, to give their children Hebrew names."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

16%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it became common" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the increasing prevalence of a phenomenon, practice, or idea. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely applicable in various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While generally neutral in tone, formality can be adjusted based on the specific context. To ensure clarity, always specify what "it" refers to. Remember to use alternatives if you want to convey slightly different nuances of meaning or formality. By following these guidelines, you can use "it became common" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became prevalent

Uses a synonym for "common", indicating widespread occurrence.

it grew widespread

Replaces "became common" with a more emphatic verb, suggesting a rapid increase in prevalence.

it gained general acceptance

Emphasizes the acceptance of the practice by a wide audience.

it turned out to be typical

Shifts the focus to the typicality of the situation, rather than its increasing prevalence.

it established itself as the norm

Indicates that the practice or situation has become standard and accepted.

it emerged as routine

Implies that the action or situation is now a standard procedure.

it was generally recognized

Highlights the widespread acknowledgement of a fact or situation.

it evolved into a trend

Suggests a gradual development into a popular fashion or style.

it was increasingly observed

Focuses on the observation of the phenomenon, rather than its widespread adoption.

it was almost universally done

Highlights near-complete adoption or practice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it became common" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it became prevalent", "it gained widespread acceptance", or "it established itself as the norm".

What's the difference between "it became common" and "it was always common"?

"It became common" implies a change over time, suggesting something wasn't always widespread but gradually gained popularity. "It was always common" indicates that something was prevalent from the beginning.

Is "it became common" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "it became common" is suitable for academic writing. However, ensure you provide specific evidence and context to support your claim.

What are some less formal alternatives to "it became common"?

Some less formal alternatives include "it caught on", "it became a thing", or "it became popular", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.