Have you ever found yourself puzzled over whether to use “become vs became” in a sentence? You’re not alone. Many individuals grapple with these terms, leading to common errors in both writing and speech. Grasping the distinction between “become vs became” is vital for conveying the correct meaning and maintaining grammatical accuracy.
In this article, we will explore the definitions of “become vs became,” their grammatical roles, correct usage in sentences, common pitfalls, and provide practical tips to help you use these words confidently.
Definitions and Grammatical Roles
To differentiate between “become” and “became,” it’s crucial to understand their definitions and grammatical functions, as well as their specific roles within a sentence. While both words stem from the verb “to become,” they serve different purposes depending on the tense. By grasping their distinct meanings and usage, you can ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity in your writing and speech. Recognizing when to use “become” in present and future contexts and “became” in past scenarios will help avoid common errors and enhance communication skills.
What Is “Become”?
Definition: “Become” is the base form of the verb “to become,” used in the present tense. It signifies the process of changing or transforming into a different state or condition. This change can be gradual or immediate, but it always refers to something that is happening now or will happen in the future.
Grammatical Role: “Become” functions as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not require a direct object to complete its meaning. It is often used with linking verbs and auxiliary verbs to indicate ongoing transformation or change.
Additional Examples:
- “Over time, caterpillars become butterflies.”
- “If you keep practicing, you will become a great musician.”
- “She hopes to become a doctor someday.”
What Is “Became”?
Definition: “Became” is the simple past tense form of the verb “to become.” It indicates that a change or transformation occurred in the past. Unlike “become,” which refers to ongoing or future events, “became” refers to something that has already happened.
Grammatical Role: Similar to “become,” “became” is an intransitive verb and does not take a direct object. It is commonly used in storytelling, historical accounts, and descriptions of past events.
Additional Examples:
- “He became a teacher after graduating from college.”
- “The weather became colder as the sun set.”
- “They became best friends after working together for years.”
Read More: Putting vs Puting: Correct Spelling, Meaning & Common Mistakes
Usage in Sentences
Understanding how to use “become” and “became” correctly in sentences is essential for effective communication.
Using “Become” Correctly
“Become” is used in the present tense and can also be employed in future constructions or as an infinitive.
Examples:
- Present Tense: “They become restless when they are bored.”
- Future Tense: “She will become a renowned artist.”
- Infinitive Form: “He wants to become a doctor.”
Contextual Usage:
- Formal Writing: “Over time, these practices become standard in the industry.”
- Casual Speech: “If you practice daily, you’ll become better at playing the guitar.”
- Industry-Specific: “This material can become hazardous under certain conditions.”
Using “Became” Correctly
“Became” is used to describe actions or changes that have already occurred in the past.
Examples:
- Simple Past Tense: “After years of dedication, she became the CEO of the company.”
- Narrative Context: “He became interested in photography during his travels.”
Contextual Usage:
- Formal Writing: “The theory became widely accepted after multiple studies confirmed its validity.”
- Casual Speech: “I became friends with my neighbor after we met at the community event.”
- Industry-Specific: “The software became obsolete as new technologies emerged.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Confusing “become” and “became” can lead to grammatical errors. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:
- Using “become” instead of “became” for past events:
- Incorrect: “He become the manager last year.”
- Correct: “He became the manager last year.”
- Tip: Use “became” when referring to actions or changes that occurred in the past.
- Using “became” instead of “become” for present or future events:
- Incorrect: “She hopes to became a lawyer.”
- Correct: “She hopes to become a lawyer.”
- Tip: Use “become” when discussing current desires or future aspirations.
- Mixing tenses within a sentence:
- Incorrect: “If you study hard, you became successful.”
- Correct: “If you study hard, you become successful.”
- Tip: Ensure that the tense remains consistent throughout the sentence.
Key Differences Between “Become” and “Became”
Understanding the distinctions between “become” and “became” is crucial for proper usage. Here’s a comparison table highlighting their differences:
| Aspect | Become (Present/Future) | Became (Past) |
| Definition | The base form, used for present/future changes | The past tense form, indicating a past transformation |
| Example | “They become anxious when waiting.” | “They became anxious yesterday.” |
| Tense | Present or future | Past |
| Common Mistakes | Used instead of “became” for past actions | Used instead of “become” for present/future actions |
Example Scenarios
To illustrate the correct usage of “become” and “became,” here are some real-life scenarios:
- A Career Change:
- “She will become a lawyer after graduation.”
- “She became a lawyer after years of studying.”
- A Weather Shift:
- “The sky becomes dark before a storm.”
- “The sky became dark before the storm hit.”
- A Learning Process:
- “If you practice, you become better at math.”
- “With time, he became better at math.”
Why Do People Confuse “Become” and “Became”?
Many learners mix up “become” and “became” due to:
- Similar Spelling: Both words look alike.
- Lack of Tense Awareness: Misidentifying whether an event is past or present.
- First-Language Influence: Differences in grammar from their native language.
Synonyms and Antonyms
| Word | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Become | Grow, turn, transform, evolve | Stay, remain, stagnate |
| Became | Turned into, changed into, developed into | Was, remained, stayed |
Which One Should You Use? Practical Tips
- Think about the time frame:
- Present/Future? → Use “become.”
- Past? → Use “became.”
- Use a simple test:
- Replace with “is” (for present) or “was” (for past) to check.
- Example: “She ___ a doctor.”
- “She is a doctor” → “She will become a doctor.”
- “She was a doctor” → “She became a doctor.”
Read More: Lifetime vs Life Time: Which One Is Correct and Why?
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between “become vs became” is essential for clear and accurate communication. “Become” refers to changes happening in the present or future, while “became” is used for past transformations. By recognizing these distinctions, you can ensure your sentences are grammatically correct and convey the intended meaning.
By practicing these rules and applying them in real-life writing and speech, you will gain confidence in using “become” and “became” correctly. Remember, the key to mastering grammar is consistency and practice. Over time, distinguishing between these two words will become effortless!
