Become vs Turn: Deciding Between Similar Terms

Have you ever found yourself confused between the words “become” and “turn”? While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences between the two that can impact the meaning of your sentence. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two words and when to use them.

Let’s establish which of the two is the proper word to use in different contexts. “Become” is typically used when referring to a change or transformation from one state to another. For example, “I want to become a lawyer” implies a desired transformation from the current state to the state of being a lawyer. On the other hand, “turn” is used to describe a change in direction or orientation. For example, “I need to turn left at the next intersection” implies a change in direction from the current path.

Now that we’ve established the definitions of these two words, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some examples.

Define Become

Become is a verb that means to come into existence or develop into something. It is often used to describe a process of change or transformation. When something becomes something else, it undergoes a significant shift in form or function. For instance, a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, a student becomes a teacher, or a novice becomes an expert.

Define Turn

Turn is a verb that means to change direction or position. It is often used to describe a physical movement or a shift in perspective. When something turns, it rotates or pivots. For instance, a car turns a corner, a person turns their head, or a conversation turns to a new topic. Turn can also be used to describe a change in state or condition. For example, a situation can turn from bad to worse, or a person can turn from happy to sad.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between become and turn:

Become	Turn
Describes a process of change or transformation	Describes a physical movement or a shift in perspective
Often used to describe a development or growth	Often used to describe a change in direction or position
Can be used to describe a change in form or function	Can be used to describe a change in state or condition

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence can make a big difference in the meaning you are trying to convey. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “become” and “turn” in a sentence.

How To Use “Become” In A Sentence

The word “become” is often used to describe a change or transformation from one state to another. It is commonly used to indicate a process of development or growth. Here are some examples of how to use “become” in a sentence:

• She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
• He has become more confident since starting his new job.
• They hope to become parents someday.

As you can see from these examples, “become” is used to describe a change in someone’s status or identity. It is often followed by a noun or an adjective that describes the new state.

How To Use “Turn” In A Sentence

The word “turn” can be used in a variety of ways in a sentence. It can indicate a change in direction, a change in position, or a change in state. Here are some examples of how to use “turn” in a sentence:

• She turned the corner and saw the park.
• He turned the page of his book.
• The milk has turned sour.

As you can see from these examples, “turn” can be used to describe a physical change or a change in the state of something. It is often followed by a noun that describes the new state.

Remember, using the right word in a sentence can make all the difference in the meaning you are trying to convey. By understanding how to properly use “become” and “turn,” you can communicate your ideas more effectively and clearly.

More Examples Of Become & Turn Used In Sentences

In this section, we will explore more examples of the usage of “become” and “turn” in sentences. These examples will help you understand the context in which these words are used and how they can be used effectively in your writing.

Examples Of Using “Become” In A Sentence

• She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
• The caterpillar will become a butterfly.
• He has become more confident since he started working out.
• She became the CEO of the company after years of hard work.
• The weather will become colder as winter approaches.
• He will become a father next month.
• She became famous after her performance in the movie.
• The soup will become tastier if you add some spices.
• He has become more patient with age.
• She became emotional when she heard the news.
• The city has become more crowded over the years.
• He will become a better player with practice.
• She has become more understanding of other people’s perspectives.
• The situation will become more complicated if we don’t act fast.
• He became interested in photography after taking a class.
• She became a vegetarian after watching a documentary.
• The flowers will become more beautiful as they bloom.
• He has become more involved in his community since he retired.
• She became fluent in Spanish after studying abroad.

Examples Of Using “Turn” In A Sentence

• She turned the page of the book and continued reading.
• The milk has turned sour and should be thrown away.
• He turned the key in the lock and opened the door.
• She turned down the music so she could concentrate.
• The leaves will turn red in the fall.
• He turned his life around after going through a difficult time.
• She turned to her friends for support during the breakup.
• The conversation turned to politics and became heated.
• He turned off the lights before going to bed.
• She turned up the heat because it was getting cold.
• The company’s fortunes turned around after they hired a new CEO.
• He turned in his resignation and started looking for a new job.
• She turned to yoga to help her manage stress.
• The weather turned bad and they had to cancel the picnic.
• He turned out to be a great cook despite his initial doubts.
• She turned away from the mirror and sighed.
• The project turned out to be more difficult than they anticipated.
• He turned to his faith for comfort during the difficult time.
• She turned in her essay and waited for the results.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using language effectively, it’s important to understand the nuances of words and how they can be used interchangeably. One common area where people make mistakes is with the words “become” and “turn.”

Common Mistakes

One common mistake people make is using “turn” when they should be using “become.” For example, saying “I turned a doctor” instead of “I became a doctor.” This mistake is incorrect because “turn” implies a physical change, while “become” implies a change in status or profession.

Another mistake people make is using “become” when they should be using “turn.” For example, saying “I became the corner” instead of “I turned the corner.” This mistake is incorrect because “become” implies a gradual change, while “turn” implies a sudden change in direction or location.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Take the time to understand the nuances of each word and when they should be used.
• Read and listen to examples of each word being used correctly in context.
• Practice using each word in different sentences to get a feel for when they should be used.
• When in doubt, consult a dictionary or grammar guide for clarification.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion in your writing and speech.

Context Matters

Choosing between “become” and “turn” can depend on the context in which they are used. While both words can be used to describe a change or transformation, they can have different connotations and implications depending on the situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

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

Context	Example Sentence	Choice between “become” and “turn”
Physical Transformation	He became a bodybuilder.	“Become” is more commonly used in this context to describe a physical transformation.
Emotional Transformation	She turned into a different person after the breakup.	“Turn” is more commonly used in this context to describe an emotional or psychological transformation.
Change in Direction	The car turned left at the intersection.	“Turn” is used to describe a change in direction or movement.
Change in Status	He became the CEO of the company.	“Become” is used to describe a change in status or position.

As these examples show, the choice between “become” and “turn” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the connotations and implications of each word when deciding which one to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are general rules to follow when using “become” and “turn,” there are exceptions to these rules. Here are some instances where the rules may not apply:

1. Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a different meaning than the literal interpretation of the words used. In some cases, the use of “become” and “turn” in idiomatic expressions may not follow the general rules.

Idiomatic Expression	Example
Turn a blind eye	He turned a blind eye to the problem.
Become of	I wonder what will become of him.

2. Contextual Use

The context in which “become” and “turn” are used can also affect whether the general rules apply. Here are some examples:

• She turned into a great singer after years of practice.
• She became a great singer after years of practice.

Both sentences are correct, but the use of “turn” in the first sentence emphasizes a transformation that happened quickly or suddenly, while the use of “become” in the second sentence emphasizes a gradual process.

3. Regional Differences

There may also be regional differences in the use of “become” and “turn.” For example, in British English, “turn” is often used instead of “become” in certain contexts.

• She turned 40 last week.
• She became 40 last week. (less common in British English)

Overall, while there are general rules to follow when using “become” and “turn,” it’s important to be aware of exceptions to these rules in order to use these words effectively and accurately in writing and speaking.

Practice Exercises

In order to improve your understanding and use of become and turn in sentences, it is important to practice using these words in context. Here are some practice exercises to help you become more comfortable with these verbs:

Exercise 1: Become

Complete the following sentences using the correct form of become:

1. She has always dreamed of _______ a doctor.
2. He _______ very angry when he found out the news.
3. They hope to _______ successful in their new business venture.
4. After years of hard work, she finally _______ a successful author.
5. He _______ a vegetarian after watching a documentary about animal cruelty.

Answer Key:

1. becoming
2. became
3. become
4. became
5. became

Exercise 2: Turn

Complete the following sentences using the correct form of turn:

1. He _______ the corner and saw the beautiful sunset.
2. After the storm, the sky _______ a bright shade of blue.
3. The milk _______ sour after being left out of the fridge.
4. She _______ down the music so she could hear the phone ringing.
5. He _______ to his friend and asked for help.

Answer Key:

1. turned
2. turned
3. turned
4. turned
5. turned

By practicing these exercises, you will become more confident in using become and turn in your writing and speaking. Remember to pay attention to the context of each sentence and choose the appropriate verb form.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between “become” and “turn” may seem subtle, but it can greatly impact the meaning of a sentence. Understanding the nuances of these two verbs can help you communicate more clearly and effectively in both spoken and written English.

Key Takeaways

• “Become” implies a gradual change or transformation, while “turn” implies a sudden or unexpected change.
• The use of “become” is more common in formal writing, while “turn” is more common in informal speech.
• Both verbs can be used in a variety of contexts, including to describe physical changes, emotional states, and actions.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can improve your ability to use these verbs correctly and effectively in your own writing and speech.

Continued Learning

If you’re interested in continuing to improve your grammar and language use, there are many resources available to help you. Consider taking an online course, reading a grammar guide, or practicing your writing and speaking skills with a tutor or language exchange partner. With dedication and effort, you can become a confident and skilled communicator in English.