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Drew1228 · Joined:Sat 18 Apr 2009 7:26 pm Posts:8

"He was becoming poor" and "He became poor?"

What are these tenses called?

Kietl · Joined:Sun 19 Apr 2009 8:39 am Posts:64

In English grammar, "was becoming" would be referred to as the "past progressive". Technically it is in the past tense, but with a progressive aspect.

"Became" is the simple past tense.

Hope that's helpful.

Drew1228 · Joined:Sat 18 Apr 2009 7:26 pm Posts:8

Quote:

In English grammar, "was becoming" would be referred to as the "past progressive". Technically it is in the past tense, but with a progressive aspect.

"Became" is the simple past tense.

Hope that's helpful.

Thanks so much! This helps a lot.

Tikolm · **Posted:** Sat 16 Jun 2012 12:10 am

"Was becoming" can also be referred to as imperfect past (imparfait). (Like it matters 3 years later.)