Become and Became: How Are They Different🤷‍♀️?

Christopher

Understanding the subtle differences between “become” and “became” can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills.

This guide aims to clarify these terms and provide practical examples to help you use them correctly in various contexts.

Understanding the Basics

Present vs. Past Tense

In English, verbs change forms to indicate the time of action. The two primary tenses you’ll encounter with “become” are the present and the past:

  • Present Tense: Refers to actions happening now or habitual actions.
    • Example: “She becomes more skilled every day.”
  • Past Tense: Refers to actions that have already happened.
    • Example: “He became a doctor last year.”

Role of “Become”

The verb “become” is used to describe a change or transformation in the present or future.

  • Example: “She will become a great leader.”

Role of “Became”

“Became” is the past tense form of “become,” used to describe a completed change or transformation.

  • Example: “He became a successful entrepreneur after years of hard work.”

Defining “Become” and “Became”

“Become”

Definition: To undergo a change or transition into a new state or condition.

  • Usage: Commonly used in the present tense or to refer to future events.
  • Examples:
    • “She becomes more confident with each presentation.”
    • “They will become experts in their field.”

“Became”

Definition: The past tense of “become,” indicating a change that has already occurred.

  • Usage: Used to describe completed actions or transformations.
  • Examples:
    • “He became a skilled artist after years of practice.”
    • “The company became a market leader in 2020.”

What Does It Mean to “Become” Something?

The verb “become” signifies a process of change. It indicates that something or someone transitions from one state to another.

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Examples:

  • Personal Development: “She becomes more adept at managing teams as she gains experience.”
  • Natural Processes: “The caterpillar becomes a butterfly through metamorphosis.”

Key Point: “Become” is used to describe ongoing or future changes.

The Transformation Indicated by “Became”

“Became” shows that a transformation has already happened. It’s useful for reflecting on past changes or developments.

Examples:

  • Personal Growth: “Over the years, she became an influential leader in her community.”
  • Career Achievements: “After completing the training, he became a certified professional.”

Key Point: Use “became” to reflect on changes that have been completed.

Practical Usage of “Become” in Sentences

To master the use of “become,” integrate it into various types of sentences:

  • Simple Sentences:
    • “She becomes more organized each day.”
  • Complex Sentences:
    • “As she practices regularly, she becomes more proficient in her skills.”
  • Future Tense:
    • “He will become an expert in his field through dedication.”

Examples:

  • “With experience, they become more competent.”
  • “As technology evolves, we become more dependent on digital tools.”

How “Became” Fits into Past Narratives

Using “became” effectively in past narratives helps convey a clear sequence of events or transformations that have already occurred.

Examples:

  • Historical Context: “The city became a major trade hub in the 19th century.”
  • Personal Stories: “She became a renowned author after publishing her first book.”

Key Point: “Became” provides context and continuity in recounting past events.

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Reflecting on Past Changes with “Became”

Reflect on past changes by using “became” to discuss how someone or something has evolved over time.

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Examples:

  • “He became a more confident speaker after years of public speaking.”
  • “The once small startup became a global corporation.”

Key Point: Use “became” to highlight the results of past transformations.

Distinguishing “Become” from “Becomes”

Understanding when to use “become” versus “becomes” is crucial for proper grammar and clarity.

Usage:

  • “Become”: Used with plural subjects or with “I” and “you.”
    • Examples: “They become skilled professionals over time.” / “I become excited about new challenges.”
  • “Becomes”: Used with singular third-person subjects.
    • Examples: “She becomes more experienced each year.” / “He becomes enthusiastic about learning.”

Examples:

  • “Become”: “Children become more independent as they grow.”
  • “Becomes”: “The task becomes easier with practice.”

Exploring Present Perfect Tense: “Has Become” and “Have Become”

The present perfect tense describes actions that started in the past and continue into the present. For “become,” this involves “has become” and “have become.”

Usage:

  • “Has Become”: Used with singular third-person subjects.
    • Examples: “She has become an expert in her field.”
  • “Have Become”: Used with plural subjects or with “I” and “you.”
    • Examples: “They have become more proficient over time.”

Key Point: The present perfect tense helps illustrate ongoing changes or states.

When to Use “Have Become” in Present Perfect Tense

Use “have become” to indicate that multiple subjects or entities have undergone a transformation that continues into the present.

Examples:

  • “The team members have become more collaborative.”
  • “Over the years, they have become prominent figures in their industry.”

Key Point: “Have become” is used with plural subjects and ongoing transformations.

Why “Has Became” Is Grammatically Incorrect

“Has became” is grammatically incorrect because “became” is the past tense form of “become.” The correct form is “has become.”

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Explanation:

  • Incorrect: “She has became a skilled artist.”
  • Correct: “She has become a skilled artist.”

Key Point: Always use “has become” in the present perfect tense.

The Subtleties of “Would Become”

“Would become” is used in hypothetical or conditional statements to indicate a change that might occur under certain conditions.

Examples:

  • Hypothetical Situations: “If he studied more, he would become a top student.”
  • Conditional Statements: “She would become a great leader if given the opportunity.”

Key Point: “Would become” helps explore potential or imagined changes.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “become” and “became” is essential for clear and effective communication. By mastering these terms, you can accurately describe ongoing and completed transformations. Practice using these verbs in various contexts to enhance your language skills and ensure your writing and speaking are precise.

Encouragement: Keep these guidelines in mind as you write or speak, and don’t hesitate to revisit this guide whenever you need clarification. Your command of these terms will surely improve with practice!

jessica-thompson

About the author

As an experienced English teacher, I’m Jessica Thompson, here to make grammar and vocabulary simple and fun. Join me on TalkSpeaker as we explore the language together, one lesson at a time!

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