started to become

USAGE SUMMARY

"started to become" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this verb phrase when you want to discuss the beginning of a process, such as when something begins to acquire a certain quality or characteristic. For example, "The rainforest started to become less dense as trees were cut down for timber."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He started to become silly".

The New York Times

"It started to become apparent".

The New York Times

Temple started to become excited.

The New Yorker

"We started to become closer," she said.

The New York Times

They've started to become more politically sophisticated".

The New York Times

Later it started to become bad.

The New York Times

Putting has started to become fun again.

The Guardian - Sport

Gradually, their work started to become known around the world.

The New Yorker

Pea shoots have started to become widely available.

Independent

"So that's when things really started to become critical".

The New York Times

"Tokalism has started to become noticeable," said Ms Ileuova.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to become" to describe the initial phase of a change or development. This suggests that the transformation is underway but not yet complete.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "started to become" in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "began to" or "commenced" to provide a richer and more engaging reading experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to become" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a description of its emerging state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Examples show it describing gradual transitions and developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

17%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to become" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the commencement of a change or evolution, as validated by Ludwig. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals it's most prevalent in news and media contexts, serving to describe initial phases of transformations across diverse scenarios. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "began to" or "developed into" can enrich your writing. Remember to employ this phrase to effectively convey the beginning of a process, indicating that a shift is underway but not yet fully complete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to transform

Emphasizes a complete change in form or appearance.

commenced evolving

Highlights a process of gradual development and adaptation.

initiated a shift toward

Focuses on the beginning of a movement in a specific direction.

developed into

Suggests a natural progression and growth into something else.

morphed into

Implies a more dramatic or unexpected change.

turned into

A common and versatile alternative suggesting a change of state.

became increasingly

Highlights the gradual increase of a particular quality.

grew to be

Suggests a slow and organic process of becoming.

emerged as

Implies the coming into existence or prominence of something.

transitioned to

Focuses on a change from one state or condition to another.

FAQs

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

"Started to become" indicates the beginning of a change or development. For example, "The weather started to become colder as winter approached".

What are some alternatives to "started to become"?

You can use alternatives such as "began to", "commenced", or "developed into" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "started becoming" or "started to become"?

Both "started becoming" and "started to become" are grammatically correct, but "started to become" might sound slightly more formal in certain contexts. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "began to become" and "started to become"?

The phrases "began to become" and "started to become" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Began" might suggest a slightly more formal or deliberate initiation of the change, while "started" is generally more neutral.