being or becoming

Thank you Lady!

AlpheccaStars"become" means something to happen in the future.

All the time!?

"being" is correct.

"becoming" is not forbidden by any rule of English, but the meaning seems odd. "are becoming" normally describes a gradual change of state over a period of time, which is not the case here.

are becoming very careful This means that prior to this time they were not very careful.

are being very careful Does not clearly mean the above, although it is implied.

Clive.

So it does not have to do with the future, as the Lady said it, yes?

Isn't there any clear method when I should use being and when becoming?

khoshtipSo it does not have to do with the future, as the Lady said it, yes?

I had not read AS's reply before posting mine. I seem to be colliding with her a lot at the moment.

For me, "are becoming" describes a process of change that has been happening through the recent past up until the present, and may continue into the future.

khoshtipIsn't there any clear method when I should use being and when becoming?

Use "becoming" when you want to highlight a changing state.

The weather is becoming colder.
Food is becoming expensive.

GPYFor me, "are becoming" describes a process that has been happening through the recent past up until the present, and may continue into the future.

And what about "are being"? What does it describe to you?

khoshtipAnd what about "are being"? What does it describe to you?

In cases like "the students are being careful", "is/are being + adjective" describes a present state or condition. Compared with plain "is/are + adjective", it adds a feeling of immediacy, and emphasises that this state is produced by present activity or effort.