become

To become something or someone is to change. This word is often used for situations:

• We all became hungry after a two-hour hike through the woods.
• The weather is becoming warmer now that it’s March.
• Jill says she’s becoming sick. She’s been sneezing a lot lately.
• Once it becomes warm enough, we can plant some potatoes in the garden.
• Traffic in this area is becoming a problem.
• It’s becoming clear to everyone that this is a problem.
• Their business has finally become profitable.

The word "become" is often used as a person grows and matures:

• Sheila wants to become a doctor.
• Becoming a doctor is important to her.
• Bob is taking acting lessons in order to become an actor.
• Becoming a parent is a big change in a person’s life.
• Tony and Linda became parents last year.
• When they found out they were going to become parents, they were a little nervous.

He became a doctor.

The word "become" is also used to express attractiveness or beauty:

• The dress becomes her. (She looks good in the dress.)
• Her smile is quite becoming. (This sentence uses "becoming" as an adjective.)
• His behavior at the party was quite unbecoming for a person in his position. (unbecoming = not becoming; not appropriate)
• It’s unbecoming for a person in a business environment to use foul language.
• His conduct was unbecoming on an officer. (This statement is commonly used when describing the behavior of high-ranking member of the military.)

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March 2, 2015