Become of sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Become of sth” Mean?

“Become of sth” is a phrase used to ask or talk about what happens to someone or something after a certain time or event. It often implies curiosity about the result or fate of that person or thing.

Introduction

The phrase “become of sth” is commonly used in English to inquire about the outcome or fate of something or someone. When you ask, “What has become of him?” you want to know what happened to that person or where they are now. This phrase is especially useful when discussing people or things that have disappeared, changed, or been forgotten. Understanding the “become of sth” meaning helps learners express curiosity about results or consequences in everyday conversations. It is a useful phrase to know for both formal and informal situations.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: become of something
• Type: Intransitive (no object after “become of”)
• Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
• Short meaning: To happen to or to be the fate of someone or something

Structure (Grammar Rules)

The phrase “become of sth” is inseparable, meaning you do not separate “become” and “of.” It is usually used in questions or statements about the fate or result of something.

Common patterns include:

• What has become of + noun/pronoun?
• What will become of + noun/pronoun?
• Do you know what has become of + noun/pronoun?

Note that “sth” (something) is a placeholder for any noun.

How to Use “Become of sth”?

Use “become of sth” when you want to know or talk about the current state or fate of a person, object, or situation after some time. It often shows curiosity or concern about what happened next.

For example, you might ask about a friend you haven’t seen in years or a project that stopped suddenly. It is not used to describe active changes but to talk about results or outcomes.

Examples

• What has become of your old school friends?
• Do you know what became of the missing documents?
• She wondered what would become of the abandoned house.
• What has become of the money we raised for charity?
• After the company closed, no one knew what had become of the employees.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect: What did you become of your keys?
  Correct: What has become of your keys?
• Incorrect: I want to become of the project.
  Correct: I want to know what has become of the project.
• Incorrect: Become of your homework?
  Correct: What has become of your homework?

Differences / Synonyms

Become of sth asks about the fate or outcome of something. Similar phrases include:

• Happen to sth: Focuses on events or incidents, e.g., “What happened to your car?”
• Turn out: Refers to final results or outcomes, e.g., “How did the story turn out?”
• Get on: More informal, about progress, e.g., “How are you getting on with your work?”

Unlike “happen to,” “become of” emphasizes the final state or fate rather than just the event.

Common Collocations

• Become of a person (e.g., friend, relative)
• Become of a thing (e.g., documents, money, project)
• Become of a place (e.g., building, town)
• Become of a situation (e.g., plan, idea)

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of become of sth:

• Become Of Sb
• Become Locked Into Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Anna: I haven’t seen Mark for ages. What do you think has become of him?

Ben: Last I heard, he moved to Canada for work.

Anna: Really? I wonder what has become of his old job here.

Ben: I think the company closed down last year.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the phrase:

1. Do you know what _______ of the missing files?
2. What _______ of Sarah after she left the school?
3. We never found out what _______ of the stolen car.
4. Can you tell me what will _______ of this old building?

FAQs

• Q: Is “become of sth” formal or informal?
  A: It’s suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• Q: Can I use “become of sth” in the past tense?
  A: Yes, use “became of” or “has become of” for past references.
• Q: Is “become of sth” separable?
  A: No, it is inseparable and always used together.
• Q: Can “become of sth” be used with animals?
  A: Yes, you can ask about the fate of animals as well.
• Q: What is the difference between “become of sth” and “happen to sth”?
  A: “Become of sth” focuses on the final result or fate, while “happen to sth” focuses on the event or incident itself.