What is become? Pronunciation and usage in English

become means . Learn how to pronounce and use become through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of become

becomeverb

/bɪˈkʌm/
Definition & pronunciation of become

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "become" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈbɪkʌm (stress on the first syllable)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. be- pronounced like the word "bee" (as in a bee)
  2. -come pronounced like "kum" (rhymes with "hum")

Putting it together: "Bee-kum"

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • "b": A standard "b" sound.
  • "i": As in "machine" - a short, quick "ih" sound.
  • "c": Sounds like "k" (as in "kite").
  • "u": As in "cut" - a short "uh" sound.
  • "m": A standard "m" sound.

Resources for Hearing It:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "come" part. It's a quick, smooth "kum."
  • Listen to native speakers. The best way to learn is to hear the word spoken clearly.
  • Record yourself. Record yourself saying "become" and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some common mistakes learners make?

Usage and examples with the word become in English

Let's break down how to use the word "become" in English. It's a versatile word with several common uses. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Start Being Something (Transitioning to a State or Role)

This is the most common usage. "Become" indicates a change from one state or identity to another.

  • Example: "She became a doctor after years of studying." (She used to be something else, now she is a doctor.)
  • Example: "He became famous overnight after winning the competition." (He wasn't famous before, he now is.)
  • Example: "The weather became colder." (It was initially warmer, now it is colder.)
  • Example: "My little brother became obsessed with dinosaurs." (He wasn't interested before.)

2. To Develop or Grow Into Something

Often used with verbs describing growth, skill, or maturity.

  • Example: "He became a skilled musician over time." (He started with limited skill and developed it.)
  • Example: "The plant became tall and strong." (It started small and grew.)
  • Example: "She became more confident as she practiced." (Her confidence increased.)

3. To Turn Into Something (Transformation)

Similar to "change," but often implies a more significant or literal transformation.

  • Example: “The milk became sour if left out too long.” (It transformed from fresh to sour.)
  • Example: “The old building became a modern art gallery.” (It was physically altered).

4. With “Used To” – Expressing a Past Habit or State

"Become" frequently appears with "used to" to describe a past habit or state that is no longer true.

  • Example: “I used to become nervous before presentations.” (I no longer get nervous, but I used to.)
  • Example: “She used to become very angry easily.” (This is no longer her general characteristic.)

Important Grammar Notes:

  • "Become" + Past Participle: Always use "become" followed by the past participle of the verb. The past participle usually ends in -ed or -en (for regular verbs) or has an irregular form (e.g., "become" + "known," "become" + "aware").

  • "Become" vs. "Get": "Become" is often more formal than "get." You'd typically use "become" in writing or more formal speech, while "get" is more common in everyday conversation.

    • Formal: "He became a lawyer."
    • Informal: "He got a lawyer."

Let’s Practice!

Here are some sentences where you can try to use “become” correctly:

  1. The rain _________ heavy.
  2. She _________ a successful businesswoman.
  3. He _________ very frustrated when he realized he had made a mistake.
  4. The flower _________ beautiful after it bloomed.
  5. I _________ used to waking up early.

Answers to Practice Sentences:

  1. became
  2. became
  3. became
  4. became
  5. became

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific type of usage (e.g., only using it with "used to")?

Synonyms for the word become

Idioms of the word become

what became, has become, will become of somebody/something?
used to ask what has happened or what will happen to somebody/something
  • What became of that student who used to live with you?
  • I dread to think what will become of them if they lose their home.

Practice with vocabulary become

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She hopes to ____ a successful entrepreneur in the next five years.
  2. Over time, his interest in painting ____ more intense.
  3. The project has ____ a top priority for the team.
  4. I want to ____ fluent in Spanish by practicing every day.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best completes the sentence?
    "With hard work, he ____ a respected leader in his field."
    a) become
    b) became
    c) turns
    d) grew

  2. Which word does NOT fit in the sentence?
    "The company aims to ____ a major player in the industry."
    a) become
    b) emerge
    c) remain
    d) transform

  3. Which word is correct in this context?
    "Over time, her shyness ____ less noticeable."
    a) become
    b) became
    c) becoming
    d) becomes

  4. Which word is the best replacement for the underlined word?
    "The city has transformed into a hub for technology startups."
    a) become
    b) turned
    c) evolved
    d) remained

  5. Which word does NOT fit in the sentence?
    "The small village ____ a bustling town over the years."
    a) became
    b) grew into
    c) stayed
    d) developed into

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "The team grew more confident after winning the championship."
    Rewrite: "The team ____ more confident after winning the championship."

  2. Original: "The problem has turned into a major concern for the company."
    Rewrite: "The problem has ____ a major concern for the company."

  3. Original: "She evolved into a talented musician over the years."
    Rewrite: "She ____ a talented musician over the years."

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. become
  2. became
  3. become
  4. become

Exercise 2:

  1. b) became
  2. c) remain
  3. b) became
  4. a) become
  5. c) stayed

Exercise 3:

  1. The team became more confident after winning the championship.
  2. The problem has become a major concern for the company.
  3. She became a talented musician over the years.

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