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has became or has become

has became or has become

2 min read 05-02-2025
has became or has become

The question of whether to use "has became" or "has become" often arises. The answer is simple: "has become" is correct; "has became" is grammatically incorrect. This article will delve into why, providing clear explanations and examples to solidify your understanding.

Why "Has Become" is Correct

The verb "to become" is an irregular verb. This means it doesn't follow the standard pattern of adding "-ed" to form the past participle (like "walked" or "talked"). The past participle of "become" is "become," not "became."

Therefore, when using the present perfect tense (which requires the auxiliary verb "has" or "have" and the past participle), the correct form is "has become" or "have become" (depending on the subject).

Examples of Correct Usage:

  • He has become a successful entrepreneur.
  • She has become proficient in several languages.
  • They have become close friends over the years.
  • It has become increasingly difficult to find affordable housing.

Why "Has Became" is Incorrect

Using "has became" violates the rules of English grammar concerning irregular verbs. "Became" is the simple past tense of "become." The present perfect tense requires the past participle, not the simple past.

Incorrect Examples:

  • Incorrect: He has became a doctor. (Should be: He has become a doctor.)
  • Incorrect: The weather has became much colder. (Should be: The weather has become much colder.)
  • Incorrect: She has became accustomed to the noise. (Should be: She has become accustomed to the noise.)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The confusion often stems from the similarity in sound and the fact that "became" is frequently used in simple past tense sentences. To avoid mistakes:

  • Identify the tense: Are you describing an action completed in the past that still has relevance to the present (present perfect)? Or are you simply describing an action completed in the past (simple past)?
  • Use the correct past participle: Remember that the past participle of "become" is "become."

Mastering Verb Tenses: Beyond "Become"

Understanding irregular verbs and mastering different verb tenses is crucial for clear and accurate writing. Practice identifying the correct tense and applying the appropriate verb forms. This will significantly improve the overall quality of your writing and communication.

Conclusion: Choose "Has Become"

In summary, always use "has become" (or "have become") when constructing a sentence in the present perfect tense. Remembering the irregular nature of the verb "to become" and employing the correct past participle will ensure grammatically sound and polished writing. Avoiding "has became" will prevent common grammatical errors and enhance the clarity of your communication.

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