Many English learners and writers struggle with became or become. Both words look similar and come from the same verb, yet they are used differently in sentences.
Using the wrong one can confuse readers or make your writing grammatically incorrect. This confusion appears in emails, essays, social media posts, and even professional documents.
Spellcheck tools don’t always help because both are valid words they just function differently.
People search for became or become because they want a quick, clear answer. They want to know when to use the past tense versus the present perfect or infinitive forms.
Understanding the difference is key to writing and speaking English correctly. This article explains the usage, origin, examples, common mistakes, and professional advice.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use became and when to use become, improving both your writing and confidence.
Became or Become – Quick Answer
Became and become are different forms of the verb to become:
- Became → past tense (something happened in the past)
- Become → base form or present perfect (used with has/have/had)
Examples
- She became a doctor last year. (past tense)
- He has become more confident over time. (present perfect)
- I want to become a teacher. (base form)
Remember: became = past, become = base/present perfect.
The Origin of Became or Become
The verb to become comes from Old English becuman, meaning to come about or to come to pass. Over time, it evolved into the modern verb become, with became as its past tense form.
- Become: base verb, used for infinitives and present perfect
- Became: simple past form
English verbs often have irregular past forms, which is why became is used instead of becomed.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for these words.
Key Points
- Became → past tense (UK & US)
- Become → base or present perfect (UK & US)
Comparison Table
| Word | British English | American English | Usage |
| became | became | became | Past tense |
| become | become | become | Base form / present perfect |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The choice depends on tense and sentence structure.
Use became if:
- Describing something that happened in the past
- The action is completed
Example:
She became a lawyer in 2015.
Use become if:
- Using the base form (after to)
- Using present perfect (has/have/had become)
Examples:
- I want to become a teacher.
- He has become more patient over time.
Professional Tip
Check the tense: past → became, present perfect or infinitive → become.
Common Mistakes with Became or Become
Using became with present perfect
- He became more confident over time.
✔ He has become more confident over time.
Using become as simple past
- She will become a manager last year.
✔ She became a manager last year.
Confusing base form in infinitives
- I became to learn English.
✔ I want to become fluent in English.
Mixing tenses in writing
Always check sentence tense before choosing became or become.
Became or Become in Everyday Examples
Emails
- She has become the new team lead.
- He became available for the meeting yesterday.
News Writing
- The city became a hub for startups in 2020.
- The company has become a global leader.
Social Media
- I’ve become addicted to this book!
- She became the champion after a tough match.
Formal Writing
- The patient has become stable after treatment.
- He became a renowned scientist in his field.
Became or Become – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that learners often search became or become for:
- Academic writing
- English language learning
- Professional communication
Usage Patterns
- Became → historical events, past actions, storytelling
- Become → goals, ongoing changes, formal reports
By Country
- USA & UK → common searches for ESL learners
- Global → high interest in grammar rules for correct tense usage
Became vs Become Comparison Table
| Word | Function | Example |
| became | Past tense | She became famous last year. |
| become | Base / Present perfect | He has become more skilled. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use became and become interchangeably?
No. They serve different tenses.
2. Is become used in past tense?
No. Past tense requires became.
3. Can become be used with to ?
Yes. To become is correct for infinitive forms.
4. Is became correct with has/have ?
No. Use become with present perfect.
5. Which is common in formal writing?
Both are common, depending on tense.
6. Is this a British vs American difference?
No. Both follow the same rules in UK and US English.
7. Easy way to remember?
Past → became, base/ongoing → become.
Conclusion
The difference between became or become is essential for correct grammar. Became is used for past actions, while become is used as the base form or with present perfect.
Mistakes often occur because the words look similar and come from the same verb, but their usage is clearly defined by tense.
Understanding when to use each form improves clarity, professionalism, and overall English fluency.
Check the tense before writing, and remember: past = became, base or present perfect = become. With this knowledge, you can confidently write and speak without confusing your audience.
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Hi, I’m Ethan Hawkesley. I love writing and exploring the English language. On Thinkoora.com, I share tips, insights, and explanations to help readers understand words and writing more easily.
