“Become” vs. “Became” – How to Correctly Use Each Term
In English, understanding verb tenses is crucial for constructing coherent sentences.
The verb “become” presents an interesting study in this regard, as its base form and past tense might be a source of confusion.
Let’s delve deeper into “become” and “became” to clarify their correct usage.
Quick Summary
“Become” is the base form of the verb and can be used in the present, future, and as an infinitive. “Became” is the simple past form of the verb, used to indicate something that has already happened.
“Become” vs. “Became” – Which is Correct?
Both “become” and “became” are correct but are used in different tenses:
| Term | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Become | Present, future, and as an infinitive | I will become a doctor. (future) |
| Became | Indicating a past event or transformation | She became a renowned artist. (simple past) |
How to Use “Become”
“Become” is the base form of the verb. You’ll often see it in the present, in future tense constructions, and when used as an infinitive (to become).
- Present: They become restless when they’re bored.
- Future: He will become the next CEO.
- Infinitive: I want to become a better writer.
How to Use “Became”
“Became” is the simple past tense of “become.” It’s used to refer to something that happened or a transformation that took place in the past.
- Example: Over the years, she became a trusted advisor.
Practice Exercises
- He _______ a successful entrepreneur after years of hard work.
- I hope to _______ more skilled at playing the piano.
- The caterpillar _______ a beautiful butterfly.
- In the next decade, they believe that renewable energy will _______ the primary power source.
- After the sudden rainfall, the path _______ slippery.
Answer Key:
- became (referring to a past transformation)
- become (infinitive form indicating a future desire)
- became (referring to a past transformation)
- become (future tense prediction)
- became (indicating a past change in state)
Conclusion
Distinguishing between “become” and “became” allows for clear communication of events across different time frames.
“Become” is versatile in its usage, fitting into present, future, and infinitive forms. In contrast, “became” specifically denotes past events or changes.
Keeping these distinctions in mind ensures accurate expression of transformations or states across tenses. Use this guide as a handy reference when choosing between “become” and “became” for clarity in your communication.
