When do I use "Get" and when do I use "Become"?

"Get" + adjective = quick or informal change. "Become" + noun = change of identity or role.

What is the most common mistake with "Get" and "Become"?

In spoken English, "get" is far more natural for temporary states or emotions: "get tired", "get angry", "get cold". "Become tired" or "become angry" sounds overly formal.

How do I remember the difference between "Get" and "Become"?

Use "get" in English. Would you say "convertirse en + noun" (become a doctor, become a problem)? Use "become".

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Which one to use?Intermediateverboverbo

GetvsBecome

"Get" signals an informal or quick change; "become" signals a formal or gradual one.

Side-by-side comparison

Get

verbo

To reach a new state. Informal and extremely common in spoken English.

I got tired after the long meeting.
She got angry when she heard the news.
It is getting cold outside. Bring a jacket.

Become

verbo

To come to be something different. Formal or for significant gradual changes.

She became a doctor after years of study.
The situation became very complicated.
He became the president of the company.

Common mistake

•In spoken English, "get" is far more natural for temporary states or emotions: "get tired", "get angry", "get cold".
•"Become tired" or "become angry" sounds overly formal.

Trick to remember it

•Use "get" in English.
•Would you say "convertirse en + noun" (become a doctor, become a problem)? Use "become".

Quick rule

•"Get" + adjective = quick or informal change.
•"Become" + noun = change of identity or role.

Did you know?

"Get" is one of the most polysemous verbs in English, it has over 40 distinct meanings in the Oxford dictionary. It is so versatile that some British English textbooks once called it "the dirty verb" and advised avoiding it in favor of more precise verbs. Today it is completely natural and necessary. The expression "I get it" (I understand) is one of the most used in current informal English and has no direct translation in many languages, a "get" meaning to understand, not to receive.