it became commonplace

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it became commonplace" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or phenomenon that has become widely accepted or frequently encountered over time. Example: "With the rise of smartphones, instant communication became commonplace in our daily lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

WHEN the euro crisis was at its height it became commonplace for struggling European economies to insist that they were not outliers like Greece.

The Economist

I weathered it, and then it became commonplace.

The New York Times - Arts

While this novelesque way of writing was largely shunned by his contemporaries, eventually it became commonplace.

The Guardian

During the 90s, it became commonplace for critics to argue that Winterson was steadily writing worse novels.

The Guardian - Books

Through his tireless working it became commonplace to see sculpture everywhere, even if it was on a plinth.

The Guardian - Arts

Decades before it became commonplace, Jones adds, Bunny fearlessly identified himself as gay and proud of it.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Allmusic writer Marisa Brown felt the band's ambient music is used to the extent that it becomes "commonplace, despite its avant-garde leanings".

Wikipedia

"To suddenly take that out of its cultural context and make it available year round — to have it become commonplace — that would be a sad thing," Lefevre said.

The New Yorker

When, I asked myself, did it become commonplace to charge several thousand dollars for a mass-produced handbag?

The New York Times - Books

We settle into life, and it becomes commonplace and knowable, until something comes along to remind us how vivid and moving it can be.

The New Yorker

We know what it means for a building to come down; then it becomes commonplace in entertainment, until it means nothing.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it became commonplace", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the sense of increasing frequency or acceptance. Sometimes, a more precise alternative might be more effective.

Common error

While "it became commonplace" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it became common", "it became typical", or "it became widespread" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it became commonplace" functions as a descriptor of a trend or change. It indicates that a particular action, belief, or object has transitioned from being unusual or novel to being widely accepted or frequently encountered. As stated in Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it became commonplace" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the evolution of something into a widely accepted or frequently occurring phenomenon. According to Ludwig, the phrase sees frequent use in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, signaling a shift in societal norms or practices. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "it became common" or "it became typical" can prevent repetitiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it became common

Replaces 'commonplace' with 'common', suggesting a slightly less formal tone.

it became routine

Implies that something has become a standard part of a process or activity.

it became typical

Suggests that something has become representative of a particular category or group.

it became standard practice

Indicates that something has been officially adopted as a normal way of doing things.

it became widespread

Emphasizes the broad distribution or prevalence of something.

it gained traction

Focuses on the increasing popularity and acceptance of something.

it took hold

Suggests that something has become firmly established or deeply ingrained.

it grew in popularity

Highlights the increasing favor or acceptance of something among people.

it gained acceptance

Emphasizes the process of something becoming widely approved or tolerated.

it became fashionable

Implies something became trendy and followed by many.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it became commonplace" is used to describe something that has become widely accepted, expected, or frequently occurring. For example: "During the 1990s, it became commonplace for critics to argue that Winterson was steadily writing worse novels."

What are some alternatives to "it became commonplace"?

Some alternatives include "it became common", "it became routine", "it became typical", or "it became standard practice". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "it was commonplace" or "it became commonplace"?

"It was commonplace" describes something that was generally accepted or frequent at a specific time in the past. "It became commonplace" describes the process of something transitioning into being generally accepted or frequent. The choice depends on whether you're describing a state or a change over time.

What does "it became commonplace" imply about the subject?

Using "it became commonplace" suggests that the subject was not always common or accepted, but that a change occurred leading to its widespread adoption or occurrence. It implies a shift in norms or practices.