start to become

USAGE SUMMARY

"start to become" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is in the process of beginning to change. For example: She started to become more confident when she received positive feedback for her work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

e360: When did this start to become a problem?

Yale University

That should start to become clear over the next year.

The New Yorker

They start to become more, more.... " "Transcendental?" Wolf offers.

The New York Times - Books

Otherwise, you start to become a confessional society".

The Economist

The atheism figures cited above start to become clearer.

The Guardian - Film

At least it is about to start to become greater.

The New York Times

All apps and even things will start to become cognitive.

The Guardian - Tech

A hero's superpowers, initially seductive, soon start to become irritating.

The Guardian - Film

And this is where the issues start to become complicated.

The Guardian - Sport

Then the questions start to become a lot deeper".

The New York Times

But cash will start to become less dominant.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "start to become" with adverbs or adjectives to provide more context about the nature or speed of the change (e.g., "start to become rapidly", "start to become increasingly complex").

Common error

Be mindful of using "start to become" in contexts where a simpler verb like "become" or "start" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily wordy. For example, instead of 'The situation started to become worse', consider 'The situation worsened'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "start to become" is to act as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a process or transition. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start to become" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the beginning of a change or transformation. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. It's most commonly found in news and media, followed by wiki and scientific contexts, indicating its suitability across various writing styles. While versatile, writers should be mindful of potential wordiness and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively use "start to become" to add clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to transform into

This alternative emphasizes a more complete change or metamorphosis.

commence to evolve into

This alternative suggests a gradual and developmental change.

initiate the process of becoming

This is a more formal and elaborate way of expressing the beginning of a change.

get on the road to becoming

Suggests the start of a longer journey towards a changed state.

set out to be

This implies intention and purpose in the process of becoming something.

take the first steps to become

This alternative highlights the initial actions in a transformation.

kick off the journey of becoming

This alternative emphasizes the start of a more adventurous transformation.

enter into a state of becoming

This is a more philosophical and abstract way of expressing the beginning of a transformation.

turn to

This alternative emphasizes a shift in direction or focus.

come to be

This alternative indicates the eventual existence or realization of something.

FAQs

How can I use "start to become" in a sentence?

You can use "start to become" to describe the beginning of a change or transformation. For instance, "The weather started to become colder" or "He started to become more confident after the training".

What are some alternatives to "start to become"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "begin to", "commence to", or simply "become". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "start to become"?

While grammatically correct, "start to become" can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether "start" or "become" alone would be more concise and effective. For example, "He started to become anxious" could often be shortened to "He became anxious".

What's the difference between "start to become" and "begin to become"?

"Start to become" and "begin to become" are largely interchangeable and share similar meanings. "Start" may subtly imply a more abrupt or immediate beginning, while "begin" can suggest a more gradual or natural progression.