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A1 verb #39 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

becomes

Top 39

At the A1 level, 'becomes' is one of the first verbs you learn to describe change. It is used in very simple sentences to show how one thing changes into another. For example, you might talk about the weather: 'It becomes cold in winter.' Or you might talk about feelings: 'He becomes happy when he sees his friends.' At this stage, the focus is on the basic structure: Subject + becomes + Adjective. You also learn that 'becomes' is only for 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or one thing. If you talk about 'they' or 'we,' you say 'become.' It is a very useful word for describing the world around you and how it changes from day to day. You will see it in simple stories and hear it in basic conversations about daily life, hobbies, and the environment. Learning 'becomes' helps you move beyond just saying what things *are* and start saying how they *change*.

At the A2 level, you start using 'becomes' in more varied contexts. You might use it to talk about people's jobs or future plans: 'She wants to study hard so she becomes a doctor.' You also begin to see it used with noun phrases, not just simple adjectives. For example, 'The small seed becomes a tall tree.' You learn to use 'becomes' in the negative and question forms using 'does' and 'doesn't.' For example, 'Does the water become ice?' or 'It doesn't become hot at night.' You also start to distinguish between 'becomes' and more informal words like 'gets.' You might notice that 'becomes' sounds a bit more serious or formal than 'gets.' This level is about expanding the types of subjects and complements you can use with the verb, allowing you to describe more complex transformations in your life and the world.

At the B1 level, 'becomes' is used to describe more abstract and social changes. You might use it to discuss trends, social issues, or personal development. For example, 'The internet becomes more important for our daily lives every year' or 'The problem becomes more serious if we don't act now.' You are expected to use the word accurately in more complex sentence structures, including those with relative clauses or subordinate clauses. You also start to learn common collocations, such as 'becomes clear,' 'becomes apparent,' or 'becomes a reality.' At this stage, you should be comfortable choosing between 'becomes' and its synonyms like 'grows,' 'turns,' or 'gets' depending on the context. Your use of 'becomes' helps you explain processes and results in more detail, which is essential for intermediate-level communication in both speaking and writing.

At the B2 level, you use 'becomes' with a high degree of precision and nuance. You can use it to describe subtle shifts in tone, atmosphere, or public opinion. For example, 'The debate becomes increasingly polarized as the election approaches.' You understand the stylistic difference between 'becomes' and other verbs of change and use it to achieve a specific effect in your writing. You might use it in more formal contexts, such as business reports or academic essays, to describe trends and developments. You also become familiar with more idiomatic uses and complex phrasal structures involving the concept of becoming. At this level, 'becomes' is not just a word for simple change; it is a tool for analyzing and describing complex transformations in society, technology, and human behavior. You can use it to build sophisticated arguments and provide detailed descriptions of cause and effect.

At the C1 level, your use of 'becomes' is sophisticated and often literary or academic. You use it to describe philosophical transformations, complex scientific processes, or intricate character developments in literature. For example, 'In the novel, the protagonist's silence becomes a powerful form of resistance.' You are aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word and can use it to evoke specific connotations. You might use 'becomes' in passive constructions or within complex grammatical frameworks to express nuanced ideas. You also have a wide range of synonyms at your disposal and choose 'becomes' only when it is the most appropriate word for the desired register and meaning. Your ability to use 'becomes' effectively allows you to express subtle changes in meaning and perspective, making your communication more persuasive and intellectually engaging.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'becomes' and all its nuances. You can use it with effortless precision in any context, from highly technical scientific writing to evocative poetic prose. You might use it to describe the most subtle and complex transformations, such as 'The ephemeral nature of the performance becomes a metaphor for the transience of life itself.' You are comfortable using 'becomes' in rare or archaic constructions if the context demands it. You understand how the word interacts with other elements of the sentence to create rhythm, emphasis, and tone. At this level, 'becomes' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire, used to articulate profound insights and complex observations about the nature of change, identity, and existence. You can use it to navigate the most challenging communicative tasks with elegance and authority.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

becomes en 30 secondes

Becomes is a verb used to describe a change in state, identity, or quality for a singular subject in the present tense.
It acts as a linking verb, connecting the subject to an adjective or noun that describes the new result of the change.
Common examples include changes in weather, professional roles, emotional states, and physical transformations like water turning into ice.
It is the third-person singular form, meaning it is used with 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or singular nouns like 'the sun' or 'John.'

The word becomes is a fundamental verb in the English language, serving as the third-person singular present tense form of 'become.' At its core, it signifies a transition, a transformation, or a change in state. When we say something becomes something else, we are describing a process where the subject moves from one condition to another. This could be a physical change, such as a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, or a more abstract change, such as a person's mood shifting from happy to sad. The beauty of this word lies in its ability to capture the dynamic nature of existence; nothing stays the same, and 'becomes' is the primary tool we use to document that movement.

Transformation: The act of changing in form, shape, or appearance. For example, ice becomes water when it melts.

Evolution of State: A gradual development or shift in a person's status or role, such as when a student becomes a teacher after years of dedicated study.

As the sun sets, the sky becomes a beautiful shade of orange and purple.

In everyday conversation, people use 'becomes' to describe the natural progression of events. It is a linking verb, meaning it connects the subject of the sentence to a complement that describes it. This complement can be an adjective, like 'angry,' 'clear,' or 'famous,' or it can be a noun, like 'a doctor,' 'a problem,' or 'a legend.' Unlike the verb 'to be,' which describes a static state (e.g., 'He is happy'), 'becomes' describes the movement into that state (e.g., 'He becomes happy'). This distinction is crucial for learners to understand because it adds a layer of time and process to the description.

The situation becomes more difficult as we wait for the results.

Furthermore, 'becomes' is used in various contexts, from scientific descriptions of chemical reactions to poetic descriptions of emotional growth. In a scientific context, one might say, 'When carbon is subjected to intense pressure, it becomes a diamond.' In a more personal context, a parent might observe that their child 'becomes more independent every day.' The word is versatile and essential for expressing the concept of 'becoming' in all its forms.

The caterpillar becomes a butterfly after its time in the chrysalis.

Social Context: Used to describe shifts in social standing or public perception, such as when a local musician becomes a global superstar.

The quiet neighborhood becomes very noisy during the annual festival.

A simple idea often becomes a great invention with enough hard work.

In summary, 'becomes' is the bridge between 'what was' and 'what is.' It is used whenever we want to highlight the process of change, whether that change is physical, emotional, professional, or environmental. It is a word of growth, evolution, and the constant flow of time.

Using becomes correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a linking verb. A linking verb does not express an action performed by the subject; instead, it links the subject to a word that describes or identifies it. This word is called a subject complement. In the case of 'becomes,' the subject complement tells us what the subject has changed into.

Subject + Becomes + Adjective: This is the most common pattern. The adjective describes the new state of the subject. Example: 'The weather becomes cold in October.'

The milk becomes sour if you leave it out of the fridge.

Subject + Becomes + Noun Phrase: In this pattern, the noun phrase identifies the new role or identity of the subject. Example: 'She becomes a citizen next month.'

The small town becomes a bustling city during the summer holidays.

One of the most important things to remember is the 's' at the end. Because 'becomes' is the third-person singular form, it must be used with subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or any singular noun (e.g., 'the cat,' 'the water,' 'John'). If the subject is plural ('they,' 'we,' 'the cats'), you must use 'become' without the 's.' This is a common point of confusion for A1 and A2 learners. Another nuance is the use of 'becomes' to describe professional or social roles. It is very common to use it when talking about careers. For instance, 'After graduating, he becomes an engineer.' It can also be used for titles: 'Upon the King's death, the Prince becomes the King.'

The water becomes steam when it reaches one hundred degrees Celsius.

Abstract Changes: 'Becomes' is frequently used for things that aren't physical. Example: 'The truth becomes clear after some investigation.'

His behavior becomes strange when he is under a lot of stress.

The story becomes more interesting in the second chapter.

Finally, consider the placement of 'becomes' in questions and negatives. In the present simple, we use 'does' for questions: 'Does it become cold?' and 'does not' for negatives: 'It does not become cold.' Note that when using 'does,' the 's' is removed from 'becomes,' turning it back into 'become.' Mastering these patterns will allow you to describe any kind of change with precision and clarity.

The word becomes is ubiquitous in English, appearing in everything from high-level academic journals to bedtime stories for children. Because change is a constant part of life, the word used to describe that change is naturally very common. One of the most frequent places you will hear 'becomes' is in weather reports and scientific documentaries. Meteorologists often say things like, 'As the cold front moves in, the rain becomes snow.' This usage highlights a physical change in the environment.

News and Media: In news broadcasts, you might hear about how a 'minor disagreement becomes a major diplomatic crisis.' Journalists use it to show the escalation of events.

The actor becomes the character so well that you forget who he really is.

In literature and storytelling, 'becomes' is a powerful tool for character development. Authors use it to describe how a protagonist changes throughout their journey. A shy girl becomes a brave leader; a poor boy becomes a wealthy merchant. These transformations are the heart of many stories. You will also find 'becomes' in legal and official documents. For example, a contract might state, 'This agreement becomes effective on the first of January.' Here, it denotes a change in the legal status of a document.

Academic and Scientific Discourse: Scientists use 'becomes' to describe reactions. 'When the chemical is heated, it becomes unstable.' It is essential for describing cause and effect.

The internet becomes a vital tool for education in the modern world.

In casual conversation, while people often use 'gets' (e.g., 'It gets late'), 'becomes' is still very common, especially when the change is significant or permanent. You might hear someone say, 'My dog becomes very excited when I pick up the leash.' It adds a touch of descriptive weight to the sentence.

The dream becomes a reality after years of hard work and persistence.

Business and Economics: Analysts might report that 'The market becomes volatile during election periods.' It helps describe the changing nature of financial systems.

The task becomes much easier when you have the right tools for the job.

Whether you are watching a movie, reading a textbook, or listening to a friend, 'becomes' is a word you will encounter constantly. It is the linguistic marker of change, making it one of the most useful verbs to master for any English learner.

Even though becomes is an A1 level word, it presents several pitfalls for learners, particularly regarding grammar and word choice. The most frequent error is the omission of the 's' in the third-person singular. Many students say 'He become happy' instead of 'He becomes happy.' This is a fundamental rule of English present simple tense that requires constant practice to internalize.

The 'S' Rule: Always use 'becomes' with singular subjects (he, she, it, the car, the water). Use 'become' with plural subjects (they, we, you, the cars).

Incorrect: The child become tired. Correct: The child becomes tired.

Another common mistake is using an adverb after 'becomes.' Because 'becomes' is a linking verb, it must be followed by an adjective that describes the subject. Learners often mistakenly use an adverb because they think they are describing the action of becoming. For example, 'She becomes beautifully' is incorrect; the correct form is 'She becomes beautiful.' The adjective describes the state of the person, not the speed or manner of the change.

Confusing 'Become' with 'Get': While often interchangeable, 'get' is more informal. However, 'become' cannot always replace 'get.' You can 'get a present,' but you cannot 'become a present' (unless you are in a very strange story!).

Incorrect: He becomes to be a doctor. Correct: He becomes a doctor.

A third mistake is adding 'to be' after 'becomes.' In many languages, the equivalent of 'become' is followed by an infinitive. In English, 'becomes' is followed directly by the noun or adjective. Saying 'The weather becomes to be cold' is a direct translation error. You must say 'The weather becomes cold.'

Overusing 'Becomes': While 'becomes' is great, using it for every change can make your writing repetitive. Try using 'turns,' 'grows,' or 'gets' for variety when appropriate.

Incorrect: The leaves becomes red. Correct: The leaves become red (because 'leaves' is plural).

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the negative and interrogative forms. Remember that 'becomes' changes back to 'become' when used with 'does' or 'doesn't.' 'Does he become angry?' is correct, while 'Does he becomes angry?' is incorrect. Paying attention to these small grammatical details will significantly improve your accuracy.

While becomes is a versatile and essential word, English offers several alternatives that can provide more specific meaning or a different tone. Understanding these synonyms helps you sound more natural and precise. The most common informal alternative is 'gets.' In spoken English, people almost always say 'It's getting dark' or 'I'm getting hungry' rather than 'It becomes dark' or 'I become hungry.' 'Gets' is the go-to word for everyday, casual changes in state.

Turns: Used specifically for changes in color or age. Example: 'The leaves turn red in autumn' or 'He turns thirty tomorrow.'

The milk turns sour if it is old.

Grows: Used for gradual changes, often related to feelings or physical size. Example: 'He grows more confident every day' or 'The tree grows taller.'

As the night goes on, it grows colder outside.

For more dramatic or physical transformations, 'transforms into' or 'turns into' are excellent choices. These suggest a complete change in nature or appearance. For example, 'The magician turns the paper into a bird.' In scientific or formal contexts, you might use 'evolves into' or 'develops into.' These imply a process of growth and increasing complexity. 'The small startup develops into a multi-national corporation.'

The situation transforms into a crisis overnight.

Goes: Used for negative changes or changes in color. Example: 'The fruit goes bad' or 'He goes pale with fear.'

The bread goes moldy after a week.

Emerges as: A more formal way to say someone becomes known for something. Example: 'She emerges as a leader in the tech industry.'

The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.

By choosing the right alternative, you can convey the speed, nature, and tone of the change more effectively. While 'becomes' is always a safe and correct choice, experimenting with 'gets,' 'turns,' 'grows,' and 'transforms' will make your English much more expressive.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"The contract becomes legally binding upon the signature of both parties."

Neutre

"The water becomes steam when it is boiled."

Informel

"He becomes a bit of a grouch when he hasn't had his coffee."

Child friendly

"The tiny seed becomes a beautiful flower!"

Argot

"The party becomes totally lit once the DJ starts playing."

Le savais-tu ?

In Old English, 'become' actually meant 'to arrive.' The meaning of 'changing into something' didn't become common until the 12th century. Before that, people used other words to describe transformation.

Guide de prononciation

UK /bɪˈkʌmz/

US /bɪˈkʌmz/

The stress is on the second syllable: be-COMES.

Rime avec

Comes Drums Gums Hums Plums Sums Thumbs Crums

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 's' as an 's' instead of a 'z'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable (BE-comes).
Using a long 'e' sound in the first syllable (bee-comes).
Dropping the 's' entirely.
Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'hot'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as a basic verb of change.

Écriture 2/5

Requires remembering the 's' for third-person singular subjects.

Expression orale 2/5

Learners often default to 'gets' or forget the 's' sound.

Écoute 1/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Be Come Change He She

Apprends ensuite

Became Become (past participle) Transform Evolve Grow

Avancé

Metamorphosis Transmutation Actualization Ontological Copula

Grammaire à connaître

Subject-Verb Agreement

He becomes (singular) vs. They become (plural).

Linking Verbs

Becomes is followed by an adjective or noun, not an adverb.

Present Simple Tense

Used for facts and regular changes: 'Ice becomes water.'

Questions with 'Does'

Does it become cold? (Remove the 's' in questions).

Negatives with 'Doesn't'

It doesn't become cold. (Remove the 's' in negatives).

Exemples par niveau

The weather becomes cold in winter.

El clima se vuelve frío en invierno.

Subject (The weather) + becomes + Adjective (cold).

He becomes happy when he eats chocolate.

Él se pone feliz cuando come chocolate.

Use 'becomes' for 'he'.

The water becomes ice in the freezer.

El agua se convierte en hielo en el congelador.

Physical change of state.

She becomes a student at the big school.

Ella se convierte en estudiante en la escuela grande.

Becomes + Noun phrase (a student).

The sky becomes dark at night.

El cielo se oscurece por la noche.

Natural change of state.

The caterpillar becomes a butterfly.

La oruga se convierte en mariposa.

Biological transformation.

My dog becomes excited when I come home.

Mi perro se emociona cuando llego a casa.

Emotional change.

The tea becomes cold if you wait.

El té se enfría si esperas.

Temperature change.

He becomes a doctor after many years of study.

Él se convierte en médico después de muchos años de estudio.

Professional transformation.

The city becomes very quiet on Sunday mornings.

La ciudad se vuelve muy tranquila los domingos por la mañana.

Environmental change.

It becomes difficult to see when it rains hard.

Se vuelve difícil ver cuando llueve fuerte.

It + becomes + Adjective.

The small shop becomes a big supermarket.

La tienda pequeña se convierte en un supermercado grande.

Business growth.

She becomes more confident as she practices English.

Ella se vuelve más segura a medida que practica inglés.

Gradual personal change.

The milk becomes sour if you don't put it in the fridge.

La leche se agria si no la pones en la nevera.

Chemical/food change.

The game becomes more exciting in the second half.

El juego se vuelve más emocionante en la segunda mitad.

Situational change.

Does the water become hot quickly?

¿El agua se calienta rápido?

Question form with 'does'.

The situation becomes clear after we talk to the manager.

La situación se aclara después de que hablamos con el gerente.

Abstract change in understanding.

It becomes apparent that we need more time for the project.

Se vuelve evidente que necesitamos más tiempo para el proyecto.

Common collocation: becomes apparent.

The internet becomes a vital tool for modern education.

Internet se convierte en una herramienta vital para la educación moderna.

Societal change.

His dream of traveling the world finally becomes a reality.

Su sueño de viajar por el mundo finalmente se hace realidad.

Common collocation: becomes a reality.

The problem becomes more serious if we ignore it.

El problema se vuelve más serio si lo ignoramos.

Conditional change.

She becomes a member of the local sports club.

Ella se convierte en miembro del club deportivo local.

Change in social status/role.

The music becomes louder as the party continues.

La música se vuelve más fuerte a medida que continúa la fiesta.

Gradual environmental change.

The truth becomes known after many years.

La verdad se conoce después de muchos años.

Abstract transformation.

The debate becomes increasingly polarized as the election nears.

El debate se vuelve cada vez más polarizado a medida que se acercan las elecciones.

Sophisticated social description.

The company becomes a market leader through innovation.

La empresa se convierte en líder del mercado a través de la innovación.

Business development context.

The language becomes more complex as you reach higher levels.

El lenguaje se vuelve más complejo a medida que alcanzas niveles más altos.

Academic description.

It becomes necessary to implement new security measures.

Se vuelve necesario implementar nuevas medidas de seguridad.

Formal necessity.

The actor becomes synonymous with the character he plays.

El actor se vuelve sinónimo del personaje que interpreta.

Sophisticated collocation: becomes synonymous with.

The city becomes a hub for technological advancement.

La ciudad se convierte en un centro para el avance tecnológico.

Urban development context.

His behavior becomes a cause for concern among his peers.

Su comportamiento se convierte en motivo de preocupación entre sus compañeros.

Social/professional context.

The law becomes effective starting from next month.

La ley entra en vigor a partir del próximo mes.

Legal context.

The protagonist's silence becomes a powerful form of resistance.

El silencio del protagonista se convierte en una poderosa forma de resistencia.

Literary analysis.

The theory becomes widely accepted after rigorous testing.

La teoría se vuelve ampliamente aceptada después de pruebas rigurosas.

Academic/scientific context.

The landscape becomes an allegory for the character's internal struggle.

El paisaje se convierte en una alegoría de la lucha interna del personaje.

Literary/artistic analysis.

It becomes imperative that we address the root causes of the issue.

Se vuelve imperativo que abordemos las causas fundamentales del problema.

High-level formal necessity.

The distinction between reality and fiction becomes blurred in the film.

La distinción entre realidad y ficción se vuelve borrosa en la película.

Sophisticated abstract description.

The project becomes a testament to the power of collaboration.

El proyecto se convierte en un testimonio del poder de la colaboración.

Metaphorical usage.

The local tradition becomes a symbol of national identity.

La tradición local se convierte en un símbolo de identidad nacional.

Sociological context.

The data becomes increasingly difficult to interpret as variables increase.

Los datos se vuelven cada vez más difíciles de interpretar a medida que aumentan las variables.

Technical/scientific context.

The ephemeral nature of the performance becomes a metaphor for transience.

La naturaleza efímera de la actuación se convierte en una metáfora de la fugacidad.

Philosophical/artistic discourse.

The architectural style becomes manifest in the city's new skyline.

El estilo arquitectónico se manifiesta en el nuevo horizonte de la ciudad.

Sophisticated academic usage.

The political landscape becomes fraught with unprecedented challenges.

El panorama político se vuelve cargado de desafíos sin precedentes.

High-level political analysis.

The author's voice becomes increasingly idiosyncratic in her later works.

La voz de la autora se vuelve cada vez más idiosincrásica en sus obras posteriores.

Literary criticism.

The concept of sovereignty becomes problematic in a globalized world.

El concepto de soberanía se vuelve problemático en un mundo globalizado.

Political/philosophical discourse.

The silence in the room becomes almost palpable as they wait for the verdict.

El silencio en la habitación se vuelve casi palpable mientras esperan el veredicto.

Evocative literary description.

The historical event becomes ingrained in the collective memory of the nation.

El evento histórico se arraiga en la memoria colectiva de la nación.

Sociological/historical discourse.

The delicate balance of the ecosystem becomes precarious due to climate change.

El delicado equilibrio del ecosistema se vuelve precario debido al cambio climático.

Scientific/environmental discourse.

Collocations courantes

Becomes clear

Becomes apparent

Becomes a reality

Becomes available

Becomes a member

Becomes famous

Becomes angry

Becomes difficult

Becomes evident

Becomes a part of

Phrases Courantes

What becomes of...

Becomes second nature

Becomes a burden

Becomes a thing of the past

Becomes a household name

Becomes the norm

Becomes a laughing stock

Becomes a reality

Becomes a habit

Becomes clear as day

Souvent confondu avec

becomes vs Becomes vs. Is

'Is' describes a current state; 'becomes' describes the change into that state.

becomes vs Becomes vs. Gets

'Gets' is informal; 'becomes' is neutral/formal. 'Gets' can also mean 'to receive'.

becomes vs Becomes vs. Comes

'Comes' is about movement; 'becomes' is about transformation.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Becomes a shadow of one's former self"

To become much weaker, less powerful, or less impressive than before.

After the illness, he becomes a shadow of his former self.

Literary

"Becomes a law unto oneself"

To behave in an independent way and ignore rules or what other people do.

The manager becomes a law unto himself and ignores the board.

Informal

"Becomes a part of the furniture"

To be in a place for so long that people no longer notice you.

After twenty years at the office, he becomes a part of the furniture.

Informal

"Becomes a dead letter"

A law or rule that is no longer enforced or followed.

The old rule about hats becomes a dead letter.

Formal

"Becomes a bone of contention"

Something that people argue about for a long time.

The new fence becomes a bone of contention between the neighbors.

Neutral

"Becomes a closed book"

Something that you no longer want to talk about or deal with.

His past life becomes a closed book once he moves away.

Neutral

"Becomes a thorn in one's side"

A person or thing that causes continuous problems or annoyance.

The new regulation becomes a thorn in the side of small businesses.

Informal

"Becomes a pillar of the community"

To become a very important and respected member of a group.

The local doctor becomes a pillar of the community.

Neutral

"Becomes a recipe for disaster"

A situation that is very likely to lead to a bad result.

Mixing these chemicals becomes a recipe for disaster.

Informal

"Becomes a sight for sore eyes"

Someone or something that you are very pleased to see.

After the long hike, the cabin becomes a sight for sore eyes.

Informal

Facile à confondre

becomes vs Become

Same verb, different subject agreement.

Use 'become' for I, you, we, they. Use 'becomes' for he, she, it.

They become friends. He becomes a friend.

becomes vs Became

Past tense form.

Use 'became' for actions that happened in the past. Use 'becomes' for the present.

He became a doctor in 2010. He becomes a doctor today.

becomes vs Becoming

Can be a verb or an adjective.

As a verb, it's the continuous form. As an adjective, it means 'attractive'.

The weather is becoming cold. That hat is very becoming on you.

becomes vs Befall

Similar prefix and related to 'happening'.

Befall is used for bad things that happen to someone. Becomes is for transformation.

A great tragedy befalls the city. The city becomes a ruin.

becomes vs Turn

Both mean change.

Turn is often used for color, age, or direction. Becomes is more general.

He turns 21. He becomes an adult.

Structures de phrases

Subject + becomes + adjective

The sky becomes red.

Subject + becomes + a/an + noun

He becomes a pilot.

It + becomes + adjective + to + verb

It becomes hard to breathe.

Subject + becomes + more + adjective

The task becomes more difficult.

Subject + becomes + a reality

The plan becomes a reality.

Subject + becomes + synonymous with + noun

He becomes synonymous with success.

Subject + becomes + an allegory for + noun

The forest becomes an allegory for fear.

Subject + becomes + manifest in + noun

His genius becomes manifest in his art.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

He become a doctor. → He becomes a doctor.
The subject 'He' is third-person singular, so the verb must have an 's' in the present simple tense.
It becomes to be cold. → It becomes cold.
You do not need 'to be' after 'becomes'. 'Becomes' is a linking verb that connects directly to the adjective.
The sky becomes darkly. → The sky becomes dark.
Linking verbs like 'becomes' are followed by adjectives (dark), not adverbs (darkly).
Does the water becomes ice? → Does the water become ice?
In questions using 'does', the main verb should be in its base form without the 's'.
The leaves becomes red in autumn. → The leaves become red in autumn.
'Leaves' is a plural subject, so you must use 'become' instead of 'becomes'.

Astuces

The 'S' for One

Always remember that 'becomes' is for one person or thing. If you can replace the subject with 'He', 'She', or 'It', use the 's'. If you can replace it with 'They', don't use the 's'.

Upgrade from 'Gets'

In your essays, try replacing 'gets' with 'becomes'. Instead of 'The problem gets worse', write 'The problem becomes worse'. It sounds much more academic and professional.

Adjectives, not Adverbs

Always follow 'becomes' with an adjective. Think: 'He becomes happy', 'It becomes clear', 'She becomes famous'. Avoid words ending in '-ly' immediately after 'becomes'.

The Voiced 'Z'

The 's' at the end of 'becomes' is pronounced like a 'z'. Practice saying 'be-kumz' with a vibrating sound at the end to improve your accent.

Weather Transitions

Use 'becomes' to describe the weather changing. It's perfect for sentences like 'The sky becomes cloudy' or 'The wind becomes strong'. It shows a process.

Question Check

When asking a question, 'Does' takes the 's'. So 'becomes' loses its 's'. Correct: 'Does it become...?' Incorrect: 'Does it becomes...?'

Be Specific

While 'becomes' is great, remember that 'turns' is better for colors (The sky turns red) and 'grows' is better for feelings (He grows impatient).

The Bridge Concept

Imagine 'becomes' as a bridge. On one side is the old state, and on the other side is the new state. The bridge 'becomes' connects them.

Noun Phrases

Don't forget you can use nouns too! 'He becomes a leader'. Just make sure to use 'a' or 'an' if it's a singular countable noun.

Present Simple for Facts

Use 'becomes' for things that are always true. 'Water becomes ice at 0 degrees'. This is a scientific fact, so we use the present simple form.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Be' + 'Comes'. When something 'Becomes', it 'Comes' into a new state of 'Being'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a caterpillar crawling into a cocoon and then 'becoming' a butterfly. The 's' in 'becomes' is like the 's' in 'singular'—it's for one caterpillar.

Word Web

Change Grow Turn Transform Evolve Shift Develop Alter

Défi

Try to write three sentences about how your day changes. For example: 'The morning becomes the afternoon. The coffee becomes cold. My work becomes finished.'

Origine du mot

The word 'becomes' originates from the Old English word 'becuman,' which meant to come, arrive, or happen. It is a combination of the prefix 'be-' (meaning around or thoroughly) and 'cuman' (to come).

Sens originel : To come to a place, to arrive, or to happen.

Germanic (Old English, Proto-Germanic)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'becomes' to describe people's appearances, as it can sometimes imply they weren't good enough before.

Commonly used in graduation speeches to describe students 'becoming' the leaders of tomorrow.

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama (book title) 'What becomes of the brokenhearted?' (famous song) 'The caterpillar becomes a butterfly' (universal metaphor)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Weather

Becomes cold
Becomes rainy
Becomes dark
Becomes windy

Careers

Becomes a teacher
Becomes a doctor
Becomes a manager
Becomes an expert

Emotions

Becomes angry
Becomes happy
Becomes sad
Becomes excited

Science

Becomes ice
Becomes steam
Becomes a solid
Becomes a liquid

Time

Becomes night
Becomes day
Becomes late
Becomes old

Amorces de conversation

"What happens when a student becomes a teacher in your country?"

"How does the weather change when it becomes winter where you live?"

"Do you think a person becomes wiser as they get older?"

"What becomes of old cars in your city?"

"When does a hobby become a job for most people?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time when a small problem becomes a big one. How did you fix it?

Describe how a person becomes a hero in a movie you like.

Think about your favorite season. How does the world change when it becomes that season?

Write about a dream you have. How can it become a reality?

Describe the process of how a child becomes an adult in your culture.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should not use 'to be' after 'becomes.' The verb 'becomes' is a linking verb that connects directly to the noun or adjective. The correct sentence is 'He becomes a doctor.' Adding 'to be' is a common mistake for learners whose native language uses that structure, but in English, it is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

The main difference is formality. 'Gets' is very informal and is used mostly in spoken English (e.g., 'It's getting cold'). 'Becomes' is more neutral and is preferred in writing (e.g., 'The weather becomes cold'). Additionally, 'get' has many other meanings like 'to receive' or 'to understand,' while 'become' almost always means to change state.

No, 'becomes' is specifically the third-person singular form. You use it with 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or singular nouns like 'the dog' or 'the water.' For plural subjects like 'they,' 'we,' 'you,' or 'the dogs,' you must use the base form 'become' without the 's.' For example: 'The cat becomes sleepy' but 'The cats become sleepy.'

Generally, no. 'Becomes' is a linking verb, so it should be followed by an adjective that describes the subject, not an adverb that describes the verb. For example, you say 'She becomes happy' (adjective), not 'She becomes happily' (adverb). The only exception is if the adverb is modifying an adjective, such as 'He becomes extremely angry.'

To make a question in the present simple tense, you use the auxiliary verb 'does.' When you use 'does,' the 's' is removed from 'becomes,' and it changes back to 'become.' For example, the statement 'It becomes cold' changes to the question 'Does it become cold?' You should never say 'Does it becomes cold?'

The past tense of 'becomes' is 'became.' It is an irregular verb. For example, 'He becomes a doctor today' (present) and 'He became a doctor last year' (past). The past participle is 'become' (the same as the base form), used in perfect tenses like 'He has become a doctor.'

Yes, it is very common to use 'becomes' when talking about someone entering a new profession or role. For example, 'After the exam, she becomes a licensed lawyer.' It signifies the moment or process of gaining a new professional identity. It is more formal than saying 'She is a lawyer now.'

Yes, 'becomes' is one of the most common verbs in the English language. Because it describes the fundamental concept of change, it is used in almost every domain of life, from science and weather to personal growth and storytelling. It is a core part of the A1 level vocabulary.

Yes, 'becomes' can be used for both positive and negative changes. You can say 'He becomes a hero' (positive) or 'The food becomes rotten' (negative). It simply describes the process of change, regardless of whether the result is good or bad.

This is a common idiomatic phrase used to ask about the future or the fate of something or someone. For example, 'What becomes of the old toys when children grow up?' It means 'What will happen to them?' or 'Where will they go?' It is a slightly more poetic or formal way of asking about a future state.