Understanding verb tenses in English can be tricky, especially with words that seem similar but function differently.
Become and became often cause confusion because they both refer to change or transformation, but they are used in different tenses.
This guide will break down their meanings, uses, and common mistakes so you can use them confidently in your writing and speech.
Confused about become vs. became? “Become” is the present form, while “became” is the simple past tense. Learn when to use each, plus grammar rules and examples to master these tricky verb forms!
Understanding the Basics: Present and Past Tense
In English grammar, verbs change form based on tense. The verb become is an irregular verb, meaning it does not follow the standard pattern of adding -ed to form the past tense. Instead, its conjugation is:
| Tense | Verb Form |
|---|---|
| Present | Become |
| Past | Became |
| Past Participle | Become |
- Become is the present tense form.
- Became is the simple past tense form.
- Become is also used as the past participle (e.g., has become, have become).
Defining “Become” and “Became”
What Does It Mean to “Become” Something?
The verb become means to start to be something or undergo a change. It refers to an ongoing transformation or the start of a process.
Examples:
- She becomes more confident every day. (Present tense – happening now)
- Over time, he will become a great leader. (Future tense – will happen in the future)
The Transformation Indicated by “Became”
The word became is the past tense of become. It indicates that the transformation has already happened.
Examples:
- He became a doctor after years of studying. (Past event – already completed)
- The weather became colder last night. (Past action – already happened)
Practical Usage of “Become” in Sentences
Since become is used in the present tense, it applies to situations where something is changing now or in the future.
Correct Examples:
- She becomes happier when she listens to music.
- If you study hard, you will become successful.
- This city is rapidly becoming a tech hub.
Incorrect Example:
❌ She become tired after the long day. (Incorrect because the past tense should be “became”)
How “Became” Fits into Past Narratives
Since became is the past tense, it is used when describing events that have already happened.
Correct Examples:
- He became famous after his first book was published.
- The sky became dark before the storm.
- They became friends after meeting at a conference.
Incorrect Example:
❌ She becomes nervous before her speech yesterday. (Incorrect because “becomes” is present tense, but “yesterday” indicates past tense)
Distinguishing “Become” from “Becomes” in Context
While become is the base form, becomes is its third-person singular present tense form, used with he, she, it.
Examples:
- He becomes frustrated when people interrupt him.
- The weather becomes colder in December.
Become is used with plural subjects or in future tense:
- They become tired after work.
- If you practice, you will become better.
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. It is formed with has/have + become (not became).
| Subject | Present Perfect Form |
|---|---|
| He/She/It | Has become |
| I/You/We/They | Have become |
Examples:
- She has become more confident over the years.
- They have become good friends.
When to Use “Have Become” in Present Perfect Tense
Use have become with plural subjects (I, you, we, they) to describe a gradual transformation.
Examples:
- We have become better at teamwork.
- You have become a skilled musician.
Why “Has Became” Is Grammatically Incorrect
One common mistake is using has became instead of has become. The word became is a past tense verb and cannot be used with has or have.
❌ He has became stronger. (Incorrect)
✅ He has become stronger. (Correct)
Remember: has/have + past participle (become), never became.
The Subtleties of “Would Become” and Frequency
Would become is used for hypothetical situations, future possibilities, or repeated past actions.
Examples:
- If she had studied more, she would become a doctor. (Hypothetical past event)
- Over time, he would become a mentor to many students. (Repeated past action)
Use would become when discussing repeated actions in the past or hypothetical situations.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between “become” and “became”?
“Become” is the present tense and refers to an ongoing or future transformation (e.g., “She will become a doctor”). “Became” is the past tense and describes changes that have already happened (e.g., “She became a doctor last year”).
2. Can “became” be used in present perfect tense?
No, “became” is only for simple past tense. In present perfect tense, use “has become” or “have become” (e.g., “She has become more confident”).
3. Is “has became” grammatically correct?
No, the correct phrase is “has become.” “Became” is the past tense and cannot be used with “has” or “have.”
4. When should I use “becomes” instead of “become”?
“Becomes” is the third-person singular present tense (e.g., “He becomes happy when he listens to music”). “Become” is used for plural subjects or in future tense (e.g., “They become friends quickly”).
5. How can I remember when to use “became”?
Use became when describing a completed past event. If you’re talking about something happening now or in the future, use become.
6. What is an example of “would become” in a sentence?
“Would become” is used for hypothetical or past habitual actions:
- “If she had studied more, she would become a scientist.”
- “Over time, he would become a respected leader.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between become and became is essential for using them correctly in speech and writing:
- Use “become” for present and future actions.
- Use “became” for past actions.
- Use “has/have become” for present perfect tense.
- Avoid using “has became”—it is incorrect.
By mastering these distinctions, you’ll avoid common grammar mistakes and express transformations clearly and accurately!
