Be vs. Become

Attribute	Be	Become
Definition	To exist or live	To undergo a change or transformation
State	Static	Dynamic
Time	Present	Future
Process	None	Continuous

Definition

Be and become are two verbs that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. The verb "be" is used to indicate a state of existence or identity. It is the most basic verb in the English language and is used to describe the subject of a sentence. On the other hand, the verb "become" is used to indicate a change in state or condition. It is used to show the process of transformation or development.

Usage

The verb "be" is used to describe a permanent or temporary state of being. For example, "I am happy" or "She is a doctor." It is also used to form the passive voice, as in "The book was written by the author." On the other hand, the verb "become" is used to describe a change or transformation. For example, "She became a teacher after graduating from college" or "The caterpillar became a butterfly."

Form

The verb "be" is an irregular verb with various forms depending on the tense and subject. It can be conjugated as "am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been." On the other hand, the verb "become" is a regular verb that follows the pattern of "become, became, become." It does not change based on the subject or tense, making it easier to use in different contexts.

Function

The verb "be" is used to link the subject of a sentence to a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes it. It is essential for forming sentences in English and is used in various tenses and moods. On the other hand, the verb "become" is used to show a transition or change in the subject. It is often used to describe a process or journey from one state to another.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "be" and "become":

• Be: "She is a student at the university."
• Become: "She became interested in art after visiting a museum."
• Be: "They are happy to see each other."
• Become: "They became friends after working together on a project."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "be" and "become" are both essential verbs in the English language, they serve different purposes. "Be" is used to describe a state of being or existence, while "become" is used to show a change or transformation. Understanding the nuances of these verbs can help improve your writing and communication skills.