Are you confused about whether to use “become” or “suit” in your writing? It’s a common dilemma, but fear not, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explore the meanings of both words and when to use them.
Let’s define the two words. “Become” means to begin to be something or to develop into something. On the other hand, “suit” means to be appropriate or fitting for a particular person, purpose, or situation.
So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is both, depending on the context of your sentence. If you’re talking about a person transforming into something else, then “become” is the right choice. For example, “She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.” However, if you’re referring to something that fits or matches well with something else, then “suit” is the correct word. For instance, “The blue shirt suits you well.”
In the rest of this article, we’ll delve deeper into the nuances of each word and provide examples of how to use them in different contexts.
Define Become
Become is a verb that means to undergo a change or transformation, or to develop into something different. It can also refer to the act of coming into existence or being made.
For example, a caterpillar becomes a butterfly after undergoing metamorphosis. A person can become a better version of themselves by making positive changes in their life.
Define Suit
Suit is a noun that can refer to a set of clothes made from the same fabric, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or a skirt. It can also mean a set of playing cards of the same rank or a legal action.
As a verb, suit means to be appropriate or fitting for a particular person, purpose, or occasion. It can also mean to provide with clothes or equipment.
For example, a business suit is a formal set of clothes that is typically worn in professional settings. A deck of cards with all four aces is a suit. A job candidate should dress in a way that suits the expectations of the company they are interviewing with.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when it comes to similar words like “become” and “suit”. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these words properly in a sentence.
How To Use “Become” In A Sentence
The word “become” is a verb that means to begin to be something or to develop into something. Here are some tips on how to use “become” in a sentence:
- Use “become” to describe a change or transformation. For example: “She has become more confident since starting her new job.”
- Use “become” to describe a process or progression. For example: “The project has become more complex as we’ve continued to work on it.”
- Use “become” to describe a state or condition. For example: “He has become an expert in his field after years of experience.”
It’s important to note that “become” is often followed by an adjective or a noun that describes the new state or condition. For example: “She has become more confident” or “He has become an expert”.
How To Use “Suit” In A Sentence
The word “suit” can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a set of clothes made from the same material. As a verb, it means to be appropriate or to be convenient. Here are some tips on how to use “suit” in a sentence:
- Use “suit” as a noun to describe a set of clothes. For example: “He wore a black suit to the wedding.”
- Use “suit” as a verb to describe something that is appropriate or convenient. For example: “The job would suit someone with good organizational skills.”
- Use “suit” in the phrase “suit yourself” to indicate that someone can do what they want. For example: “I don’t care what we do tonight, suit yourself.”
It’s important to note that “suit” is often followed by a preposition, such as “for” or “to”, depending on the context. For example: “The job would suit someone with good organizational skills.”
More Examples Of Become & Suit Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide additional examples of how to use the words “become” and “suit” in a sentence. These examples will help you to better understand the context in which these words are commonly used.
Examples Of Using “Become” In A Sentence
- She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
- He has become more confident since he started working out.
- They hope to become homeowners within the next year.
- As he got older, he became more interested in politics.
- She became a successful entrepreneur after years of hard work.
- He hopes to become fluent in Spanish by the end of the year.
- She became emotional when she heard the news.
- He became a mentor to many young professionals in his field.
- They became fast friends after meeting in college.
- She became a vegetarian after watching a documentary about factory farming.
Examples Of Using “Suit” In A Sentence
- The dress doesn’t suit her body type very well.
- He always wears a suit to important business meetings.
- The job didn’t suit her personality, so she quit after a few months.
- The color of the walls doesn’t suit the furniture in the room.
- He found a suit that fit him perfectly at the department store.
- She wore a suit of armor to the Renaissance fair.
- The new policy doesn’t suit the needs of the employees.
- The restaurant’s atmosphere didn’t suit their taste.
- He looked sharp in his tailored suit and tie.
- The dress code required all employees to wear a suit and tie.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using language effectively, choosing the right words is crucial. Two words that are often used interchangeably, but have very different meanings, are “become” and “suit.” Here are some common mistakes people make when using these words incorrectly:
Using “Become” When “Suit” Is More Appropriate
- Example mistake: “I want to become a lawyer.”
- Explanation: “Become” implies a transformation or change. In this case, it suggests that the person speaking is not currently a lawyer, but wants to become one. However, “suit” would be a more appropriate word to use here, as it suggests that the person has the qualities or characteristics that make them a good fit for the job.
- Corrected sentence: “I think a career in law would suit me well.”
Using “Suit” When “Become” Is More Appropriate
- Example mistake: “I want to find a job that suits my skills.”
- Explanation: “Suit” implies a match or compatibility. In this case, it suggests that the person’s skills are already established and they just need to find a job that fits them. However, “become” would be a more appropriate word to use here, as it suggests that the person wants to develop their skills to fit a specific job or career.
- Corrected sentence: “I want to become skilled in a field that interests me.”
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between these two words. Take the time to think about the exact meaning you want to convey, and choose your words carefully. If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to find the one that best fits your intended meaning.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “become” and “suit” can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words indicate a change or adjustment, the specific connotations of each word can vary based on the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “become” and “suit” might change:
Context 1: Career Goals
In the context of career goals, “become” is often the better choice. For example, “I want to become a doctor” implies a desire to change from one state (not being a doctor) to another (being a doctor). On the other hand, “I want to suit a doctor” doesn’t make sense in this context. “Suit” implies a match or a fit, but not necessarily a change.
Context 2: Fashion
In the context of fashion, “suit” is often the better choice. For example, “This dress suits you” implies that the dress matches or flatters the person wearing it. “This dress becomes you” doesn’t quite work in this context, as it implies a change rather than a match.
Context 3: Personal Growth
In the context of personal growth, both “become” and “suit” can work, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. For example, “I want to become a better person” implies a desire to change or improve oneself. “I want to suit myself” implies a desire to do what makes oneself happy or comfortable. In this context, “suit” can be used to indicate a match or a fit with one’s own desires or needs.
The choice between “become” and “suit” depends on the specific context in which they are used. While both words indicate a change or adjustment, the connotations of each word can vary based on the situation. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the right one to convey your intended meaning.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “become” and “suit” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they may not apply. Here are some examples:
1. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. In some cases, these expressions may use “become” or “suit” in a way that is not consistent with the general rules.
For example, the idiom “become of” is used to describe the outcome of something. In this case, “become” is followed by the preposition “of” instead of an adjective or noun. For instance, “What will become of us?” or “I wonder what will become of the old house.”
Another example is the expression “suit yourself,” which means to do what you want to do. In this case, “suit” is used in the imperative form to give permission or to suggest that the person should do what they think is best. For example, “I don’t care what you do, suit yourself.”
2. Contextual Usage
The context in which “become” and “suit” are used can also affect their meaning and usage. For instance, “become” can be used in a way that is more formal or literary, while “suit” can be used in a way that is more colloquial or everyday.
For example, “become” can be used to describe a transformation or change over time, such as “The caterpillar will become a butterfly.” On the other hand, “suit” can be used to describe something that fits well or is appropriate, such as “This dress suits you.”
3. Regional Or Cultural Differences
Finally, there may be regional or cultural differences in the usage of “become” and “suit.” For instance, in some dialects or cultures, “become” may be used more frequently than “suit,” or vice versa.
It’s important to keep these exceptions in mind when using “become” and “suit” to ensure that you are using them correctly and effectively in your writing.
Practice Exercises
Practice makes perfect, and the same is true for mastering the use of become and suit in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and usage:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Complete the following sentences with either become or suit:
- As she grew older, she ______________ more confident in her abilities.
- The dress doesn’t ______________ you very well, you should try a different size.
- He hopes to ______________ a doctor someday.
- The job requirements don’t ______________ his skills.
- She wants to ______________ a writer when she grows up.
Answers:
- became
- suit
- become
- suit
- become
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- He hopes to _______________ a millionaire someday.
- a) become
- b) suit
- a) become
- b) suit
- a) became
- b) suited
- a) become
- b) suit
- a) become
- b) suit
Answers:
- a) become
- b) suit
- a) became
- b) suit
- a) become
Conclusion
After exploring the nuances between “become” and “suit,” it is clear that these two words cannot be used interchangeably. “Become” refers to a transformation or change, while “suit” refers to a match or suitability. It is important to understand the distinctions between these words in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion.
To summarize, “become” is used to describe a change or transformation, while “suit” is used to describe a match or suitability. When choosing between these words, it is important to consider the context and intended meaning of the sentence.
Key Takeaways
- “Become” and “suit” are not interchangeable
- “Become” refers to a change or transformation
- “Suit” refers to a match or suitability
- Context and intended meaning should be considered when choosing between these words
As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and improve our language use, we can become more effective communicators and avoid common mistakes.
So, keep learning and exploring the intricacies of the English language!
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.