Begin vs Become: When To Use Each One In Writing

Are you confused about when to use “begin” and when to use “become”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them that can make a big impact on the meaning of your sentence. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of “begin” vs “become” and when to use each one.

Let’s clarify the definitions of each word. “Begin” means to start or initiate something, while “become” means to transform or develop into something. While both words involve starting something new, “begin” is more focused on the initial action, while “become” is focused on the transformation or change that occurs.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is that it depends on the context of your sentence. If you’re talking about starting a new activity or task, “begin” is the appropriate word to use. For example, “I will begin my workout at 6am.” On the other hand, if you’re describing a transformation or change that occurs over time, “become” is the better choice. For example, “She became a successful entrepreneur after years of hard work.”

As we delve deeper into the differences between “begin” and “become” in the following sections, keep in mind the subtle nuances of each word and how they can impact the meaning of your sentence.

Define Begin

Begin is a verb that means to start or initiate an action, process, or event. It is the point in time when something starts or the first step in a sequence of actions. The word is often used to describe the start of a new project, task, or journey.

For example, a writer may begin a new book, a student may begin a new course, or a traveler may begin a new adventure. Begin can also be used to describe the start of a physical movement, such as when someone begins to run or dance.

Define Become

Become is a verb that means to develop or transform into something else. It is the process of changing from one state or condition to another. The word is often used to describe a gradual change that occurs over time, rather than a sudden or immediate change.

For example, a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, a child becomes an adult, or a novice becomes an expert. Become can also be used to describe the process of acquiring a new identity or role, such as when someone becomes a parent, a leader, or a mentor.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately. In this section, we will discuss the proper usage of two commonly confused words: begin and become.

How To Use “Begin” In A Sentence

The word “begin” is a verb that means to start or commence something. It is often used to indicate the starting point of an action or event. Here are some examples of how to use “begin” in a sentence:

• I will begin my presentation with an introduction about the topic.
• The concert will begin at 7 pm sharp.
• We should begin our journey early to avoid traffic.

It is important to note that “begin” is an action word and should be used in the present tense to indicate that something is starting or commencing at the moment. However, it can also be used in the past tense to indicate that something started in the past. For example:

• I began my career as a copywriter five years ago.
• The company began its operations in 1999.

How To Use “Become” In A Sentence

The word “become” is a verb that means to develop into something or to change into something. It is often used to indicate a transformation or a change in state. Here are some examples of how to use “become” in a sentence:

• She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
• The caterpillar will become a butterfly after it goes through metamorphosis.
• He has become more confident since he started working out regularly.

It is important to note that “become” is a state-of-being verb and should be used in the present tense to indicate a current state or a transformation that is happening at the moment. However, it can also be used in the past tense to indicate a transformation that happened in the past. For example:

• She became a doctor after completing her medical degree.
• The caterpillar became a butterfly after it emerged from its cocoon.
• He became more confident after he overcame his fear of public speaking.

More Examples Of Begin & Become Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the difference between “begin” and “become”, it can be helpful to see them used in context. Below are examples of both words used in sentences.

Examples Of Using “Begin” In A Sentence

• Let’s begin the meeting with a quick recap of the last quarter’s performance.
• I always begin my day with a cup of coffee.
• The concert will begin promptly at 8pm, so make sure to arrive early.
• She decided to begin her new exercise routine on Monday.
• After a long hiatus, the band will begin touring again next month.
• Can we begin the project before the end of the week?
• He will begin his new job as a software engineer next Monday.
• The chef will begin cooking the main course as soon as the appetizers are served.
• Before we begin the game, let’s review the rules.
• She will begin her presentation with a brief overview of the company’s history.

Examples Of Using “Become” In A Sentence

• After years of hard work, he finally became a successful entrepreneur.
• The weather is starting to become colder as we move into the fall season.
• She hopes to become a doctor after completing medical school.
• The caterpillar will eventually become a butterfly.
• As he gained more experience, he became more confident in his abilities.
• The small startup quickly became a major player in the industry.
• She was surprised at how quickly her hobby became a full-time job.
• The city has become more diverse over the past decade.
• After several months of training, he became a skilled pianist.
• Her passion for photography has become a major part of her life.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “begin” and “become,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and incorrect usage in written and spoken communication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Begin” When “Become” Is More Appropriate

One common mistake is using “begin” when “become” would be a more appropriate choice. For example, saying “I began to feel tired” instead of “I became tired” can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity in communication. “Begin” implies the start of an action, while “become” implies a change in state or condition.

Another example of this mistake is using “begin” when talking about a career or profession. Saying “I began a doctor” instead of “I became a doctor” is incorrect because becoming a doctor involves a process of education and training that leads to a change in status or profession.

Using “Become” When “Begin” Is More Appropriate

On the other hand, using “become” when “begin” is more appropriate can also lead to confusion. For example, saying “I became to study for the exam” instead of “I began to study for the exam” is incorrect because “become” implies a change in state or condition, while “begin” implies the start of an action.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Take a moment to consider the meaning and context of the sentence before choosing between “begin” and “become.”
• Think about whether you are describing the start of an action or a change in state or condition.
• Read your writing out loud to check for clarity and consistency in your use of these words.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “begin” and “become” might seem like a simple task, but it can actually depend on the context in which they are used. In some situations, one word might be more appropriate than the other. Understanding the nuances of each word can help you communicate more effectively.

Choosing Between Begin And Become

Both “begin” and “become” are verbs that describe the start of something. However, there are some key differences between the two words that can impact their usage.

• Begin: This word is often used to describe the start of an action or process. It is typically used when discussing something that will happen in the future.
• Become: This word is often used to describe a change or transformation. It is typically used when discussing something that is happening in the present or has already happened.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word for the context in which you are writing or speaking.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts in which the choice between “begin” and “become” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Starting a Project	I will begin working on the report tomorrow.	Begin
Starting a Journey	We will begin our road trip next week.	Begin
Starting a New Job	I am excited to begin my new position next month.	Begin
Changing Careers	After years of working in finance, I decided to become a teacher.	Become
Personal Growth	I have been working hard to become a more patient person.	Become
Physical Transformation	After months of training, she finally became a black belt in karate.	Become

As you can see from these examples, the choice between “begin” and “become” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can choose the right one to effectively communicate your message.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of “begin” and “become” follows certain rules, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some cases where exceptions might occur:

1. Phrasal Verbs

When “begin” is used in a phrasal verb, the verb that follows it should be in its base form (infinitive). For example:

• She began to study for her exams.
• He began to run towards the finish line.

However, when “become” is used in a phrasal verb, the verb that follows it should be in its -ing form (present participle). For example:

• She became interested in learning French.
• He became tired of waiting for the bus.

2. Passive Voice

When using the passive voice, the verb “be” is used instead of “begin” or “become”. For example:

• The project was begun by the team last month.
• The cake was becoming dry in the oven.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where “begin” or “become” is used in a specific way. For example:

• He began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
• She became a shadow of her former self after the accident.

In these cases, the usage of “begin” or “become” is not interchangeable with each other.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between “begin” and “become,” it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help improve your understanding and use of these two verbs in sentences. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and pay attention to the tense and context of each sentence.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct verb (begin or become) to complete each sentence.

Sentence	Answer
1. The flowers __________ to bloom in the spring.	became
2. She decided to __________ her yoga practice last month.	begin
3. The storm __________ to intensify as the night went on.	became
4. He wanted to __________ his career in finance, so he went back to school.	begin
5. The caterpillar will soon __________ a butterfly.	become

Exercise 2: Sentence Rewrite

Rewrite each sentence using the opposite verb (begin or become).

1. She became a doctor after years of hard work and dedication.
2. The company began to see profits after implementing new marketing strategies.
3. As she learned more about the subject, her interest in it began to grow.
4. After years of training, he became an expert in his field.
5. I will begin my journey across the country next week.

Answers:

1. She began her journey to becoming a doctor after years of hard work and dedication.
2. The company became profitable after implementing new marketing strategies.
3. As she learned more about the subject, her interest in it became stronger.
4. After years of training, he began to be an expert in his field.
5. I will become a traveler on my journey across the country next week.

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “begin” and “become” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and tense of each sentence, and use the correct verb accordingly.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between “begin” and “become,” it is clear that these two verbs have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing and speech.

Key Takeaways

• “Begin” refers to the start of an action or process, while “become” refers to a change or transformation.
• Using “begin” when “become” is more appropriate can lead to confusion or inaccuracies in communication.
• It is important to consider the context and intended meaning when choosing between “begin” and “become.”

By understanding the nuances of these two verbs, writers and speakers can more effectively convey their intended messages and avoid common grammar mistakes. However, there is always more to learn about the English language and its proper usage.

Continuing To Learn

For those interested in improving their grammar and language skills, there are many resources available. Reading books on grammar and style, taking online courses, and practicing writing and speaking can all help to enhance one’s language proficiency.

Remember, language is a powerful tool, and using it effectively can make all the difference in communication and understanding. Keep learning and growing in your language use to become a more effective communicator.