it becomes blocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it becomes blocked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is obstructed or hindered from functioning properly. Example: "When the filter is clogged with dirt, it becomes blocked and cannot allow water to flow through."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It appears that the authors presume that the PA that is released upon UV treatment exists only transiently because it becomes blocked by an excess of caged PA.

eLife

Most respondents reported that nursing staff in their facilities flush catheters; just over one-third reported that nurses replace the catheter if it becomes blocked, without the need for specific direction from the physician.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"In that era, Amsterdam doubled in size in a relatively short time, and it became blocked by all the carriages trying to get through.

The Guardian

Blind spots are ways that our mind becomes blocked from seeing reality as it is - blinding us from seeing the real truth about ourselves in relation to others.

Huffington Post

The painter becomes blocked about the portrait and instead sketches Effie.

The New York Times

"When you face a disease that may be infectious, 98% of your intellectual capacity becomes blocked.

Science Magazine

The losses considerably increase by large percentages when the screen becomes blocked by 40%.

Journal of Advanced Research

Electron flow becomes blocked as molecules within the electron transport chain become reduced.

Biochemical Journal

At −300 mV, the current immediately becomes blocked with rapid fluctuations (see Supporting Information, Figure 1).

ACS Nano

When they become blocked, pain also becomes blocked.

WikiHow

The front door caved in during a rush of water which flooded into the village from the nearby Walkerwood reservoir after it had become blocked and overflowed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system failure, use "it becomes blocked" to clearly indicate an obstruction preventing normal function.

Common error

Avoid using "it becomes blocked" in highly abstract or metaphorical contexts where the idea of physical blockage doesn't translate well. Opt for alternatives like "hindered" or "stalled" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it becomes blocked" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a change in state where something is obstructed. Ludwig confirms this usage. This can be seen in examples where physical objects or abstract processes are hindered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it becomes blocked" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the process of something being obstructed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, including science, news, and general information. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where the concept of physical or functional blockage is relevant, and consider alternatives like "obstructed" or "impeded" for more abstract scenarios. The register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for a wide audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gets obstructed

This alternative uses a more direct verb, "obstructed", to convey the sense of blockage.

it is obstructed

Similar to "it gets obstructed", but with a passive voice.

it is impeded

This alternative uses "impeded", suggesting a slowing down or prevention of movement.

it is closed off

Suggests a complete barrier, preventing any passage.

it is shut off

Similar to closed off, but implies a deliberate action.

it is plugged

This alternative is more suitable for physical blockages, like a pipe.

it is jammed

Implies a forced or stuck blockage.

it is congested

This alternative suggests a state of being overcrowded and blocked, often used for traffic or nasal passages.

it is stopped

This alternative conveys a more general sense of cessation or halt.

it is halted

A more formal synonym of "it is stopped".

FAQs

How can I use "it becomes blocked" in a sentence?

You can use "it becomes blocked" to describe a situation where something is obstructed or cannot pass through. For example: "When the drain is full of hair, "it becomes blocked"." or "If the air filter isn't changed, "it becomes blocked" and the engine suffers".

What can I say instead of "it becomes blocked"?

Alternatives to "it becomes blocked" include "it gets obstructed", "it is impeded", or "it is congested", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "it becomes blocked" or "it is becoming blocked"?

"It becomes blocked" describes a state, while "it is becoming blocked" describes a process of something gradually getting blocked. Both are grammatically correct, but their use depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "it becomes blocked" and "it is blocked"?

"It is blocked" describes a current state of being blocked, whereas "it becomes blocked" describes the action or process of something transitioning into a blocked state. The first describes a condition, the second the process of entering that condition.