become

 

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

simplepastpast participle
become
became
become
  • 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.

doctor 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