Understanding the Differences Between ‘Becomes’ and ‘Become’ in English Grammar

When learning English, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between different forms of verbs, especially in the present tense. This article will explore the key differences between becomes and become, helping you to use them correctly in your writing and speech.

The Verb 'Become'

Become is a verb that means to transform or change into something. It is used in the present simple tense to describe an action that is possible in the present or future. For instance, you can say:

‘I will become a doctor one day.’

In this sentence, ‘become’ is used for the first, second, and third person plural (I, you, they).

The Verb 'Becomes'

Becomes, on the other hand, is the third-person singular present form of the verb become. It is used when the subject of the sentence is a singular noun or pronoun (he, she, it). Here’s an example:

‘My character becomes bad if I move with bad friends.’

Usage Differences Based on Subject

The key to mastering the use of becomes and become lies in the subject of the sentence – whether it is singular or plural. Below are the rules and examples to help you understand better:

For first, second, and third person plural subjects (we, you, they), use become without the s-formation:

‘They become engineers after finishing the course.’

For third person singular subjects (he, she, it), use becomes with the s-formation:

‘My character becomes bad if I move with bad friends.’

Grammatical Rules

According to English grammar rules, simple present tense verbs for singular nouns or pronouns often use the -s, -es, or -ies form to indicate plurality. ‘Become’ conforms to this rule, as it changes to ‘becomes’ for singular subjects.

Examples of Usage

Here are a few more examples to further illustrate the difference:

‘He becomes a successful businessman through hard work.’ ‘She becomes an excellent teacher after years of dedicated practice.’ ‘They become engineers after finishing their education.’

In conclusion, while ‘becomes’ and ‘become’ may seem similar at first glance, they are used according to the number and person of the subject in a sentence. Understanding this nuanced difference will improve your English proficiency and ensure that your writing and speech are grammatically accurate.

By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can confidently use becomes and become correctly in your English language endeavors.