has become or became

2 min read 21-02-2025

Has Become vs. Became: Mastering the Tenses of Transformation

Choosing between "has become" and "became" can be tricky, even for native English speakers. The difference lies in the tense – the time the transformation occurred. Understanding this distinction is key to writing clear and accurate sentences. This article will delve into the nuances of each verb phrase, providing examples and clarifying their appropriate usage.

Understanding the Time Frame: Present Perfect vs. Past Simple

The core difference hinges on the tense:

"Became" is the simple past tense of the verb "to become." It indicates a completed action in the past.
"Has become" is the present perfect tense. It suggests an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. It emphasizes the current state resulting from a past event.

Let's break this down further:

When to Use "Became"

Use "became" when referring to a completed transformation in the past. The event is finished and no longer impacting the present. Consider these examples:

"She became a doctor after years of hard work." (The process of becoming a doctor is complete.)
"The weather became stormy during the night." (The storm has passed; the present weather might be different.)
"He became interested in photography after seeing the exhibition." (The event that sparked his interest is in the past.)

When to Use "Has Become"

Use "has become" when the transformation started in the past but continues to affect the present. The current state is a direct result of the past event. Note the emphasis on the current situation:

"He has become a successful entrepreneur." (His success started in the past and continues to this day.)
"The city has become more diverse over the years." (The increase in diversity began in the past and is still ongoing.)
"She has become accustomed to the noise." (Her adaptation to the noise began in the past and persists.)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One common error is using "has become" when describing a single, completed past event. For example:

Incorrect: "He has become angry yesterday."
Correct: "He became angry yesterday."

Another potential confusion arises with ongoing processes. While "has become" often describes something ongoing, it doesn't always imply continuous change. The change is complete, but its impact remains current.

Illustrative Examples: Comparing "Became" and "Has Become"

To further clarify, let's compare similar sentences using both verb phrases:

Sentence using "Became"	Sentence using "Has Become"	Explanation
The building became dilapidated.	The building has become dilapidated over the years.	The first indicates a completed state. The second highlights the process leading to the current state.
He became fluent in Spanish.	He has become fluent in Spanish after years of study.	The first is a simple statement of fact. The second emphasizes the ongoing effect of his study.
She became a teacher in 2000.	She has become a respected teacher in our community.	The first focuses solely on the time she started teaching. The second highlights her current standing.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Verb Phrase

Selecting between "has become" and "became" hinges on whether you want to emphasize a completed past action or a present state resulting from a past event. By understanding the nuances of the present perfect and simple past tenses, you can ensure your writing is precise and accurately reflects the timing of the transformation. Remember to consider the context and the implications of your chosen tense. Mastering this distinction enhances the clarity and impact of your writing.