that might become

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that might become" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or potential for change or development in a situation or condition. Example: "This new technology is still in its early stages, but it has features that might become essential in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, the case could result in a clash that might become ugly.

The New York Times

It also leads investors to hunt for companies that might become targets for buyers.

The New York Times

They dangle the prospect of a long-term ceasefire that might become a lasting peace.

The Economist

It is that it shifts a barrier that might become porous, weakening the sacral quality of the human.

The New York Times - Books

She or a legal adviser had seen a statutory loophole that might become a noose for the National.

The Guardian

Building audiences for the new acts that might become next year's blockbusters is a growing problem, label executives say.

The New York Times

Petr Sykora treated himself to the kind of game that might become a happy hockey memory some day.

The New York Times - Sports

She told the Commons that Justice Goddard was "as removed as possible from the organisations and institutions that might become the focus of the inquiry".

Independent

The one part of Johnson's coalition that might become unstuck is the section of the business community that supported him in 1964.

The New Yorker

Why then should he "unleash" Kim and expose North Korea to a U.S. counterattack that might become a precedent for pushing Communism back elsewhere?

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are a lot of issues to work out, including content licensing and piracy concerns, before that might become the norm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that might become" to express a possible future state or development, ensuring the context clearly indicates uncertainty rather than certainty. For instance, "This small startup has ideas that might become industry standards."

Common error

Avoid overuse of "that might become" in formal documents. Opt for more concise phrasing to enhance clarity and impact. Using stronger verbs or restructuring sentences ensures a more direct communication style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that might become" functions as a relative clause, introducing a description of something with the potential to change or develop into something else. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatile application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that might become" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express potential or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. While it's generally acceptable, consider using more direct phrasing in formal writing for enhanced clarity. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively employ "that might become" to convey uncertainty and speculation about future developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that could evolve into

Focuses on the evolution aspect, suggesting a gradual transformation.

that may develop into

Emphasizes the development aspect, indicating a progression towards a new state.

that could potentially transform into

Highlights the transformative nature of the potential change.

that may well turn into

Implies a high likelihood of the transformation occurring.

that has the prospect to become

Focuses on the future prospects of the subject.

that could realistically materialize as

Adds a sense of realism to the potential outcome.

with the capacity to evolve into

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for change.

that has the potential to morph into

Highlights the transformative nature and change.

that is liable to develop into

Suggests there's a susceptibility for a certain development to occur.

that is apt to transform into

Suggests a natural tendency for something to transform.

FAQs

How can I use "that might become" in a sentence?

You can use "that might become" to describe a possibility or potential future state. For example, "This small seed holds the potential for a tree "that might become" a towering giant."

What are some alternatives to "that might become"?

Alternatives to "that might become" include phrases like "that could evolve into", "that may develop into", or "with the potential to transform into", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "that might become" or "that will become"?

"That might become" expresses uncertainty and possibility, while "that will become" indicates a higher degree of certainty. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of confidence you have in the outcome.

What is the difference between "that might become" and "that could become"?

Both "that might become" and "that could become" express possibility. However, "might" often implies a slightly lower probability than "could". The choice between them depends on the degree of likelihood you want to suggest.