What does the phrasal verb “become of” mean?

What are the definitions of “become of”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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

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

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “become of”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb become of is to describe what happens to someone or something in the future, or to ask about the fate or outcome of a person or situation. It is often used in questions or expressions of concern.

What are the different verb forms of “become of”?

Root Verb	become of
Third Person Singular Present	becomes of
Present Participle	becoming of
Simple Past	became of
Past Participle	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.

Example

He is worried about what is becoming of his hometown.

Example

No one knows what became of the missing painting.

Example

The fate of the ancient artifact has become of great interest to historians.

What kind of phrasal verb is “become of”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“become of” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

What will become of her after she graduates?

Example

I wonder what became of my old classmates.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“become of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

What will become of her after she graduates?

Example

I wonder what became of my old classmates.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “become of”?

Become of one's mind

To lose one's sanity or mental stability.

Example

He was so stressed that people started to worry about what had become of his mind.

Become of the opinion

To form or change one's opinion about something.

Example

After reading the report, she became of the opinion that the project was not feasible.

Become of age

To reach the legal age of adulthood.

Example

When he became of age, he decided to move out and live independently.

Good things to know

Does “become of” have an informal or formal tone?

Become of is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “become of”?

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

• begin
• start
• initiate
• cause
• create