was becoming common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was becoming common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or trend that is gradually gaining prevalence over time. Example: "As technology advanced, remote work was becoming common among many industries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Currency Dreams Before the euro crisis, talk of currency unions was becoming common around the world.

The New York Times

Not coincidentally, the M.S.B.P. diagnosis flowered at a moment when fretful overparenting was becoming common in the West; psychologists began to worry that some expressions of anxiously attentive mothering might be unhealthy — or even pathological.

The New Yorker

State health officials said last week that the level of flu infection had increased from the relatively minor sporadic to the more annoying local, meaning the virus was becoming common.

The New York Times

By the Ptolemaic Period (323-30BCE), it was becoming common to make cartonnage from old inscribed papyrus sheet and rolls that were frequently cut and moulded to support the painted plaster.

Heritage Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Caps are becoming common.

The Guardian

It, too, though, is becoming common.

The Economist

Child-headed households are becoming common.

The Economist

That insight is becoming common wisdom.

The New York Times

Four-disc gatefolds are becoming common.

The New York Times - Arts

And income-contingent student loans are becoming common.

The New Yorker

University debates on the subject are becoming common.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was becoming common", ensure the context clearly indicates what is increasing in prevalence and over what period. Providing specific examples or data enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "was becoming common" as a vague statement without specifying what trend or item is increasing in prevalence. Always provide context to give the phrase meaning and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was becoming common" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a trend or state that was increasingly prevalent during a specific past period. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was becoming common" effectively describes a trend or state that was progressively increasing in prevalence during a certain period in the past. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content. While it maintains a generally neutral register, providing specific context and supporting evidence enhances its effectiveness. Alternatives like "was increasingly prevalent" and "was gaining traction" can offer nuanced variations, and it's essential to avoid vague usage without specifying what exactly was on the rise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was increasingly prevalent

Emphasizes the growing widespread presence of something.

was becoming more widespread

Focuses on the geographic or demographic expansion of something.

was gaining traction

Implies increasing popularity or acceptance, often in a competitive or persuasive context.

was on the rise

Indicates an increase in occurrence or prevalence, often used for trends or statistics.

was growing in popularity

Focuses specifically on the increase in public liking or favor.

was turning into the norm

Indicates a shift towards something becoming standard or expected.

was emerging as a trend

Highlights the initial stages of a phenomenon gaining recognition.

was gaining mainstream acceptance

Highlights the shift of something from niche to widely accepted.

was starting to proliferate

Suggests a rapid increase in number or spread.

was developing into a common feature

Highlights the evolution of something into a typical characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "was becoming common" in a sentence?

Use "was becoming common" to describe something that was gradually increasing in frequency or acceptance. For example, "The use of renewable energy sources was becoming common as concerns about climate change increased."

What are some alternatives to "was becoming common"?

You can use alternatives such as "was increasingly prevalent", "was gaining traction", or "was on the rise" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "was becoming common" in formal writing?

Yes, "was becoming common" is appropriate for formal writing, but ensure that the context is clear and the statement is supported by evidence or examples.

What's the difference between "was becoming common" and "is becoming common"?

"Was becoming common" describes a trend that was increasing in the past, while "is becoming common" describes a trend that is currently increasing. The choice depends on whether the trend is still ongoing or has already established itself.