it was common, it became even more common

[alpacinou]

Hello,

I want to suggest that online shopping "was becoming" more and more common and owing to the pandemic, it has become "even more common".

How can I express that idea? I mean is there a phrase like "take on added importance" that can be used in this situation?

Let me give you an example:

1. Teleworking was important. It took on an added importance after the pandemic.

2. Online shopping was common. It...during the pandemic.

>I need something similar to the first example which means "it became even more common".

 

[GoesStation]

It was already increasingly common before, and became ubiquitous with the arrival of the pandemic. You don't know what's going to happen after the pandemic.

 

[tedmc]

Something new that has been catching on has become the norm. "New normal" has become a buzzword with the current pandemic.