Differences Between 'Had Become', 'Became', and 'Become'

Understanding the nuances between had become, became, and become is crucial for effective writing. This article aims to clarify these terms and how to use them appropriately according to their grammatical functions and usage in sentence structures.

What Are 'Had Become', 'Became', and 'Become'?

The terms had become, became, and become are all related to the verb 'to become', but each serves a specific grammatical purpose and context.

Became

Tense: Simple past tense.
Usage: Refers to an action that happened in the past and is now complete.
Example: She became a teacher in 2010.

Become

Tense: Present tense base form.
Usage: Refers to the ongoing action or a general state that is happening now or is a habitual action.
Example: She is becoming an excellent writer.

Had Become

Tense: Past perfect tense.
Usage: Indicates that an action was completed before another action in the past. It shows a relationship between two past events.
Example: By the time he arrived, she had become a successful author.

Scenario-Based Analysis

Shelby Morgan, a young writer, began answering questions on Quora to improve her skills and perhaps find a different path beyond her previous achievements. Here is a detailed analysis of each term based on Shelby's journey:

Had Become

During her high school and college years, Shelby had become a reasonably good writer. This indicates that she had already achieved this skill before a certain point in the past. For example: "She had become a skilled writer by the time she graduated."

Became

When she was recognized as a sufficient writer, the university's dean became impressed enough to encourage her to pursue a doctorate in History. This refers to a transition that happened in the past. For instance: "She became a teacher-librarian, integrating her lesson plans into the provincial curriculum." Here, the use of 'became' signifies that a change occurred at a specific moment in the past.

Become

Shelby continued on her path to becoming a more creative writer, especially through her experience as an editor. By taking on this role, she aimed to refine her own writing skills. For example: "She became more observant of the community's needs, aiming to improve her storytelling and humor." Here, 'become' refers to an ongoing process and habit.

Summary

Avoid confusion between these terms by understanding that had become refers to a completed past action before another past action, became indicates a specific past event, and become describes an ongoing action in the present.

For instance:

Shelby when in high school: She had become a skilled writer. Became a writer: She became a prominent figure in the community. Continued to grow: She became more observant and humorous in her writing.

Shelby's journey through these terms highlights the dynamic nature of progress and change, illustrating how these verbs capture different aspects of someone's development over time. Use them correctly to add clarity and precision to your writing.

Conclusion and Future Endeavors

Understanding the difference between 'had become', 'became', and 'become' can greatly enhance your writing skills. Shelby's story, through her journey on Quora, is a testament to how continuous learning and improvement can lead to personal and professional development.

So, when you find yourself using these terms in your own writing, remember: 'had become' for completed actions before another past event, 'became' for a specific past event, and 'become' for an ongoing process. Here's to your own journey to becoming a better writer!

Keywords: had become, became, become