Became vs Become: When to Opt for One Term Over Another

Have you ever found yourself questioning whether to use “became” or “become” in a sentence? You’re not alone. These two words can be confusing, but fear not, we’re here to help.

The proper word to use depends on the tense of the sentence. “Became” is the past tense of “become,” while “become” is the present tense. In simpler terms, “became” refers to something that has already happened, while “become” refers to something that is currently happening or will happen in the future.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and provide examples to help you understand when to use each one.

Define Became

Became is the past tense of the verb become. It is used to indicate a change in state or condition of something or someone in the past. The word became is commonly used in sentences where the subject has already gone through a transformation or has undergone a change. For instance:

• She became a doctor after completing her medical studies.
• The caterpillar became a butterfly after metamorphosis.
• The company became profitable after implementing new strategies.

Define Become

Become is an irregular verb that is used to indicate a change in state or condition of something or someone in the present or future. It is often used to describe a process or a transition from one state to another. The word become is commonly used in sentences where the subject is currently undergoing a transformation or is expected to undergo a change. For instance:

• I want to become a successful entrepreneur.
• The weather will become warmer in the coming days.
• He has become more confident since joining the debate team.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial in conveying your message effectively. In some cases, using the wrong word can change the meaning of the sentence entirely. This section will guide you on how to use “became” and “become” properly in a sentence.

How To Use “Became” In A Sentence

“Became” is the past tense of “become.” It is used to describe something that has already happened. Here are some examples:

• She became a doctor after completing her medical studies.
• He became angry when he found out the truth.
• The caterpillar became a butterfly after cocooning for a few weeks.

As you can see, “became” is used to describe a change that has already taken place. It is important to note that “became” is always used with a past participle.

How To Use “Become” In A Sentence

“Become” is the present tense of “became.” It is used to describe something that is currently happening or will happen in the future. Here are some examples:

• I want to become a lawyer when I grow up.
• She will become the CEO of the company next year.
• He is becoming more and more successful in his career.

As you can see, “become” is used to describe a change that is currently happening or will happen in the future. It is important to note that “become” is always used with an infinitive verb.

By using “became” and “become” correctly in your sentences, you can ensure that your message is clear and accurate.

More Examples Of Became & Become Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide further examples of using “became” and “become” in sentences. Understanding the proper usage of these two words is essential for effective writing, so let’s dive in.

Examples Of Using “Became” In A Sentence

• She became a doctor after years of studying and hard work.
• The caterpillar became a butterfly after undergoing metamorphosis.
• He became more confident after taking public speaking classes.
• They became close friends after working together on a project.
• The weather became colder as the sun set.
• She became angry when she found out he had lied to her.
• He became famous after winning an Academy Award.
• The city became more crowded as people moved in.
• The water became polluted due to industrial waste.
• He became a better cook after taking cooking classes.

Examples Of Using “Become” In A Sentence

• She wants to become a lawyer when she grows up.
• The company has become a leader in the tech industry.
• He hopes to become a professional athlete someday.
• The flowers will become more vibrant with proper care.
• She has become more confident since starting her new job.
• He became a better writer by practicing every day.
• The soup will become more flavorful if you let it simmer longer.
• They hope to become parents in the near future.
• The town has become more diverse over the years.
• She became a better singer after taking voice lessons.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “became” and “become,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using these words and how to avoid them:

Using “Became” When “Become” Should Be Used

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “became” when “become” should be used. “Became” is the past tense of “become,” while “become” is the present tense. For example, saying “I became a doctor” is incorrect, as it implies that you are no longer a doctor. Instead, you should say “I have become a doctor” to indicate that you are currently a doctor.

Using “Become” When “Became” Should Be Used

On the other hand, some people use “become” when “became” should be used. “Became” is used to describe a completed action in the past, while “become” is used to describe an ongoing action in the present. For example, saying “I become very tired yesterday” is incorrect, as it should be “I became very tired yesterday.”

Confusing “Became” And “Become” With “Been”

Another common mistake is confusing “became” and “become” with “been.” “Been” is the past participle of “be,” and is used to describe a completed action in the past. For example, saying “I have been to Paris” is correct, while saying “I have become to Paris” is incorrect.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Pay attention to the tense of the sentence and use “became” for past actions and “become” for ongoing actions.
• Proofread your writing to ensure that you have used the correct word.
• If you are unsure which word to use, consult a grammar guide or dictionary.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “became” and “become,” context plays a crucial role in determining which word to use. The choice between these two words can change depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “became” and “become” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Correct Word Choice
Past Tense	He became a doctor after years of studying.	became
Future Tense	She hopes to become a lawyer someday.	become
Comparative	He has become more confident over time.	become
Change of State	The caterpillar became a butterfly.	became
Passive Voice	The book has become a bestseller.	become

As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “became” and “become” can depend on the tense, the comparative form, the change of state, and the voice of the sentence. It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are using the correct one.

Exceptions To The Rules

Although the rules for using “became” and “become” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to consider. Here are a few cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, the verb “become” is often used in the present tense, even when referring to a past event. For example:

• The city became a ghost town after the earthquake. (active voice)
• The city was become a ghost town after the earthquake. (passive voice)

In this case, “was become” is a passive construction that emphasizes the state of being that the city entered into after the earthquake. It is not a common construction in modern English, but it is still used in some contexts.

2. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions that use “become” in unusual ways. For example:

• He became of age last year. (meaning: He reached the age of majority)
• She became a mother overnight. (meaning: She suddenly became responsible for a child)
• They became fast friends. (meaning: They quickly formed a close friendship)

In these cases, “became” is used to convey a specific meaning that goes beyond the usual sense of the word. These expressions are often used in informal contexts and may not follow the usual rules of grammar.

3. Historical Usage

Finally, it’s worth noting that the rules for using “became” and “become” have changed over time. In older forms of English, “become” was often used in the past tense to indicate a completed action. For example:

• He is become a great leader. (historical usage)
• He became a great leader. (modern usage)

Today, this construction is considered archaic and is rarely used in modern English. However, you may encounter it in historical texts or literature.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of became and become is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you do just that:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either became or become:

1. She _____ a doctor after years of hard work and dedication.
2. The caterpillar _____ a butterfly after spending time in its cocoon.
3. He _____ very angry when he found out the news.
4. They _____ good friends after meeting in college.
5. I hope to _____ a successful writer one day.

Answer Key: 1. became 2. becomes 3. became 4. became 5. become

Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence

Rewrite the following sentences using either became or become:

1. She was a lawyer for many years.
2. The flowers are beautiful in the spring.
3. He was a shy child.
4. They were lost in the woods.
5. I want to be a teacher.

Answer Key: 1. She became a lawyer for many years. 2. The flowers become beautiful in the spring. 3. He became a shy child. 4. They became lost in the woods. 5. I want to become a teacher.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of became and become in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the tense and context of the sentence to determine which word to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of “became” and “become” is crucial for effective communication. The two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately to convey the intended message.

It is important to note that “became” is the past tense of “become,” while “become” is the present tense. Understanding the difference between the two can prevent confusion and miscommunication.

Additionally, it is essential to consider the context of the sentence when deciding which word to use. “Became” is typically used to describe a completed action in the past, while “become” is used to describe an ongoing process or a future state.

As language is constantly evolving, it is crucial to continue learning about grammar and language use. Reading and writing regularly can help improve one’s understanding of the English language and enhance communication skills.

Overall, mastering the use of “became” and “become” can greatly improve one’s writing and communication abilities. By paying attention to context and using the appropriate word, one can effectively convey their message and avoid confusion.