become
A1Neutral (used across all registers)
Definition
Meaning
To begin to be something; to develop or change into a different state or condition.
To be suitable or appropriate for a person, especially regarding appearance or behaviour.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Become" denotes a change of state, either permanent or temporary. It is a linking verb, connecting the subject to a subject complement (adjective, noun, or noun phrase). It differs from 'get' as a change-of-state verb by being more formal and often implying a more complete or significant transformation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. The verb 'become' is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVC (Subject-Verb-Complement): He became a teacher.SV (as part of passive-like construction with 'of'): What has become of my keys?Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “What has become of...?”
- “become of age”
- “become one (with)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe company evolution or role changes (e.g., 'The startup became a market leader').
Academic
Used to describe processes, changes in state, or theoretical transformations (e.g., 'The liquid became gaseous').
Everyday
The most frequent context, for personal changes, weather, situations (e.g., 'It became cloudy').
Technical
Used in scientific contexts for phase changes or transformations (e.g., 'The caterpillar became a chrysalis').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He hopes to become a solicitor after university.
- The weather became frightful, so we headed home.
American English
- She wants to become an attorney after law school.
- The situation became untenable, forcing a change.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother became a father last year.
- It became cold very quickly.
- She wants to become a teacher.
- Over time, their disagreement became a serious argument.
- He became increasingly interested in photography.
- This area has become much more popular with tourists.
- The debate became fraught with political tension.
- Having become aware of the issue, the committee took action.
- She eventually became the CEO of the company.
- The novel's protagonist becomes a metaphor for societal decay.
- Once a mere hypothesis, the theory became firmly established within the field.
- Their partnership became synonymous with innovation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BE + COME. Something comes to BE something else.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE OF STATE IS A JOURNEY (to become something is to arrive at a new state).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'become' for temporary states where 'get' is more natural (e.g., 'I got tired' not 'I became tired').
- Do not confuse with 'be coming' (the continuous form of 'come').
- Russian 'становиться' is a close equivalent, but 'become' is less frequent for momentary changes.
Common Mistakes
- *He became to be a doctor. (Incorrect: 'become' already includes 'be')
- *She became happily. (Incorrect: requires adjective/noun, not adverb)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'become' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is irregular: become - became - become.
Very rarely, as it describes a change of state, not an action. It is typically used in simple tenses (e.g., 'He is becoming impatient' is possible but less common).
'Become' is more formal and often suggests a more significant or permanent change. 'Get' is more colloquial and used for temporary states (get angry, get cold) or in fixed phrases.
An adjective (become angry), a noun/noun phrase (become a pilot), or a past participle used as an adjective (become known). It cannot be followed directly by an adverb or an infinitive with 'to'.