Phrasal verbs "become of" vs "know of"

Differences between become of and know of

Become of is used to talk about the outcome or fate of something or someone, while know of is used to express familiarity with a person, place, or thing.

Meanings and Definitions: become of vs know of

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Become of

• 1. To happen to or be the fate of someone or something.

  If she is sent to prison, what will become of her children?

Know of

• 1. To have knowledge or awareness of someone or something.

  Do you know of anyone who’s looking for a new car?

Usage Examples: become of, know of in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

become of

Example

What will become of the old building after it is sold?

Example

She wonders what becomes of the lost items at the airport.

know of

Example

I know of a great restaurant nearby.

Example

She knows of a good dentist in the area.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Become of

happen to

To occur or take place, especially unexpectedly or by chance.

Example

I wonder what will happen to the old building after they demolish it.

turn out

To happen or develop in a particular way, especially unexpectedly or contrary to expectations.

Example

The party turned out to be a great success despite the bad weather.

end up

To arrive at or reach a final destination or result, especially unexpectedly or by chance.

Example

After getting lost, we ended up at a beautiful beach we had never seen before.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Know of

be familiar with

To have knowledge or experience of something or someone.

Example

I am familiar with that restaurant. I've been there a few times before.

be aware of

To have knowledge or understanding of something or someone.

Example

I am aware of the new regulations. We need to comply with them as soon as possible.

have heard of

To be acquainted with or know about something or someone through hearing or reading about them.

Example

I have heard of that band. They're supposed to be really good live.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “of”

• steer clear of
• hear of
• know of
• remind of
• dream of

Differences in become of vs know of: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: become of or know of?

In daily conversation, people use know of more often than become of. This is because know of is used to express familiarity with something or someone, which is a common topic in everyday interactions. Become of is not used as much, and it's mainly used when we're talking about the outcome or fate of something or someone. So, while both phrases are used, know of is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of become of and know of

Become of and know of are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of become of and know of

The tone of become of and know of can differ based on context. Become of often carries a curious or concerned tone when related to the outcome or fate of something or someone, while know of typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to familiarity with a person, place, or thing.

become of & know of: Synonyms and Antonyms

Become of

Synonyms

• happen to
• be the fate of
• result in
• end up
• turn out

Antonyms

• begin
• start
• initiate
• cause
• create

Know of

Synonyms

• recognize
• understand
• acknowledge
• realize
• be aware of
• have knowledge of
• be familiar with

Antonyms

• overlook
• miss
• disregard
• ignore
• be ignorant of
• be unaware of
• not know