One essential verb for talking about change

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So far we’ve been learning how to write about present time, using the present continous tenses and the present perfect. This week, we are going to focus on one verb in particular. The verb ‘become’ is usually never used in the present simple tense, but either in the present continuous or in the present perfect tenses. It means ‘changing from one state to another’, and is quite useful for talking about the results of changes, or the changes in progress. Let’s have a look at this verb in more detail.

Task 1: Study the language bank and example sentences below.

become

available (to s/o)

aware of n.p.

aware that v.p.

clear (to s/o) that v.p.

dependent (on n.p)

dissatisfied (with n.p.)

eligible (for n.p.)

familiar (with n.p.)

more + adj

necessary to V

It has become necessary to lay off 200 factory workers.

We have become too dependent on the Japanese market, and are now suffering for it.

I am becoming dissatisfied with your performance.

It’s gradually becoming clear to me that we need to withdraw from the market.

I’m happy to inform you that you have become eligible for promotion.

It’s becoming more difficult to do business here.

*Notice that ‘become’ is always used in the present perfect to focus on the result of a change, or in the present continuous to focus on the change process itself.

*Notice that ‘become’ is usually followed by an adjective chunk.

*Notice that instead of ‘become’ you can use the verb ‘be’ with the same word partnerships if you don’t want to describe changes, but want to describe states or facts: ‘I am dissatisfied with your performance.’ ‘It’s difficult to do business here.’ ‘It’s necessary to lay off 200 factory workers.’

Task 2: Rewrite these sentences using ‘become’ in a present time tense. Consider the meaning of the sentence and whether it’s better to focus on the result or the process of the change. Look at the example.

1	You are eligible for a 10% reduction.
	You have become eligible for a 10% reduction.
2	Are you familiar with the China market?

3	We are more efficient now.

4	It is necessary to update our records more frequently.

5	The raw materials are now more-readily available to us.

6	We are aware that your company is in financial difficulties.

7	We are too dependent on credit lines.

8	I am dissatisfied with their service, so I am looking for another provider.

9	It is clear to me that the new product is not selling.

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*2014/11/07更新

Task 1 Feedback: One essential verb for talking about change

Task 1: Compare your answers with the sentences below.

2. Are you becoming familiar with the China market?

3. We have become more efficient now.

4. It has become necessary to update our records more frequently.

5. The raw materials are now becoming more-readily available to us.

6. We have become aware that your company is in financial difficulties.

7. We are becoming too dependent on credit lines.

8. I have become dissatisfied with their service, so I am looking for another provider.

9. It’s becoming clear to me that the new product is not selling.

* Of course you may have chosen the present perfect instead of the present continuous or vice versa. But that’s ok. The important thing is to think carefully about what meaning you want to express when you use this verb in these tenses. And don’t use it in the present simple.

文章分類：Tense overview

上一篇：Using Present Perfect Simple

下一篇：Present perfect Vs Past simple

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