Become vs. Became The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Grammar

In English, mastering the correct usage of tenses is vital for clear and effective communication. One such pair of verbs that often causes confusion is “become” and “became.” These two verbs may seem similar, but they are used in different contexts based on the tense, and understanding their roles can greatly improve your grammar skills. This guide will explore the key differences between “become” and “became,” how to use them properly, and common mistakes to avoid.

Do you find yourself unsure about when to use “become” or “became” in sentences? Don’t worry! This guide is designed to help you master these verbs with ease. We’ll break things down with clear explanations, simple examples, and practical tips that will boost your grammar confidence.

Whether you are just starting to learn English or you’re looking to fine-tune your skills, this guide will provide all the information you need to use these verbs correctly in various situations. By the end of this post, you will have a solid understanding of how to express transformations, changes, and development with perfect grammar.

Overview

The difference between “become” and “became” lies primarily in the tense they are used with. “Become” is used in the present tense, while “became” is the past tense. Both verbs refer to a change or transformation, but understanding when to use one over the other can be tricky.

Read This For More:  Collective Noun for Animals Names for Groups of Creatures 2025

In this guide, we will break down the role of each verb, provide clear examples, and help you recognize when to use them. We will also dive into the use of “has become” and “have become” in the present perfect tense, and explore the subtle differences with “would become.”

Present vs. Past Tense

Understanding the difference between present and past tenses is key to using “become” and “became” correctly. Let’s start by breaking down the roles of these two verbs in different tenses.

“Become” is used in the present tense, indicating a transformation that is either currently happening or will happen in the future. On the other hand, “became” is the past tense form, used to describe a change that has already occurred.

Examples:

  • “She becomes more confident every day.” (Present)
  • “She became more confident after taking the course.” (Past)

Role of “Become”

The verb “become” is used to express a transformation or a change in state that is happening in the present or will happen in the future. It’s often used when referring to someone or something that is in the process of changing into something else.

Scenario: Imagine you are talking about a friend who is in the process of becoming a doctor.

Examples:

  • “She becomes a doctor after finishing medical school next year.”
  • “The weather becomes cold in the evening during winter.”
  • “My younger brother becomes more independent as he grows older.”

Role of “Became”

“Became” is the past tense of “become” and is used to describe a change or transformation that has already occurred. It’s used when reflecting on an event or situation that took place in the past and resulted in a new state or condition.

Scenario: Imagine reflecting on a significant life change that happened in the past.

Examples:

  • “She became a doctor after years of hard work.”
  • “The town became quieter after the construction stopped.”
  • “He became a better person after the experience changed him.”

What Does It Mean to “Become” Something?

When we say someone or something “becomes” something, we’re referring to the process of change, transformation, or development. It’s about the moment of transitioning into a new state or condition.

Examples:

  • “She becomes more skilled at playing the piano every year.”
  • “The caterpillar becomes a butterfly after the metamorphosis process.”
  • “He becomes a leader by taking charge of the team.”
Read This For More:  Should You Say “You All” or “All of You”?

The Transformation Indicated by “Became”

In contrast, “became” reflects a completed transformation. It tells us that a change has already happened, and the person or thing is now in a new state or condition.

Examples:

  • “He became the CEO after several years of dedication.”
  • “The city became more modern after the renovation project.”
  • “She became confident once she passed her exams.”

Practical Usage of “Become” in Sentences

To fully grasp how “become” is used in the present tense, let’s look at some practical examples. It’s typically used to describe changes that are happening right now or will happen in the future.

Examples:

  • “He becomes more responsible each day at work.”
  • “They become more creative when they work in groups.”
  • “I think she becomes happier with every achievement.”

How “Became” Fits into Past Narratives

“Became” fits perfectly in past narratives, where you are reflecting on something that has already happened. It’s the perfect way to describe how someone or something transitioned into a new state in the past.

Examples:

  • “He became an expert in his field after many years of study.”
  • “The town became a popular tourist destination in the 1980s.”
  • “After years of trying, she finally became a published author.”

Reflecting on Past Changes with “Became”

When talking about past changes, “became” helps convey a clear sense of time, emphasizing that the transformation or change has already happened. It’s commonly used in storytelling or when reflecting on personal experiences.

Examples:

  • “After the accident, she became stronger and more determined.”
  • “They became close friends after working together for a few years.”
  • “The city became more vibrant after the cultural festival.”

Distinguishing “Become” from “Becomes”

While “become” is used for the present and future tense, “becomes” is the third-person singular present tense form. It’s used when referring to he, she, or it in the present tense.

Examples:

  • “She becomes more focused when studying.”
  • “The company becomes more successful every year.”
  • “He becomes a better player with each match.”

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

In the present perfect tense, we use “has become” for singular subjects (he, she, it) and “have become” for plural subjects (they, we). This tense indicates that a transformation or change has taken place at some point in the past and continues into the present.

Read This For More:  Is “Is” and “I’s” Correct Grammar? Simplifying Grammar Rules

Usage:

  • “Has become”: For singular subjects (he, she, it).
  • “Have become”: For plural subjects (they, we).

When to Use “Have Become” in Present Perfect Tense

“Have become” is used when the subject is plural or when you are speaking about yourself and others.

Examples:

  • “They have become better at managing their time.”
  • “We have become more aware of our environmental impact.”
  • “I have become more confident since I started practicing.”

Why “Has Became” Is Grammatically Incorrect

Many learners mistakenly use “has became” in the present perfect tense. However, “became” is the past tense form, and in present perfect, you should use “become” instead.

Explanation:

  • Correct: “She has become an expert in her field.”
  • Incorrect: “She has became an expert in her field.”

The Subtleties of “Would Become”

The phrase “would become” is used in hypothetical or conditional sentences. It refers to a possible transformation that could happen under certain conditions or circumstances.

Examples:

  • “If she practiced more, she would become a great pianist.”
  • “He would become the best player if he trained consistently.”
  • “The city would become a major tech hub if the right investments were made.”

Key Insight

1. What is the difference between “become” and “became”?

  • “Become” is the present tense, while “became” is the past tense. Use “become” when referring to ongoing or future transformations, and “became” when discussing past changes.

2. Can “became” be used in the present tense?

  • No, “became” is always in the past tense. The present tense form is “become.”

3. How do I use “has become” in a sentence?

  • “Has become” is used in the present perfect tense, often to describe a transformation that occurred in the past and continues in the present. Example: “She has become more confident since the meeting.”

4. When do we use “would become”?

  • “Would become” is used in conditional or hypothetical situations. Example: “If she worked harder, she would become more successful.”

5. Is “has became” correct grammar?

  • No, “has became” is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is “has become.”

Wrap Up

In conclusion, mastering the use of “become” and “became” can significantly improve your grammar and help you communicate more effectively. Understanding their roles in present and past tenses, along with the use of present perfect and conditional forms, is essential for sounding fluent and precise.

By practicing these verbs in various contexts, you’ll be able to confidently express transformations, changes, and developments. Keep these tips in mind, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new sentences—over time, your grasp of English tenses will only get stronger!

Leave a Comment