I wonder if there is any difference between these sentences:
- I'm sure he will make a good teacher.
- I'm sure he will be a good teacher.
- I'm sure he will become a good teacher.
Also with the past tense:
- He made a good teacher.
- He became a good teacher.
My understanding is that "make" suggests that you have qualities for that.
But the first three sentences sound the same to me. If the nuance in each sentence is different, could you explain that?
Best Answer
The meaning is broadly the same, but the sentences are not always applicable in the same circumstances.
“I'm sure he will make a good teacher” implies that he is currently not a teacher, and that when (or if) he becomes a teacher, he will be a good one.
“I'm sure he will be a good teacher” is similar, but applies to a definite point in time, whereas “will make” applies to an unspecified (and possibly hypothetical) future time.
“I'm sure he will become a good teacher” implies that he is currently not a good teacher, either because he is currently not a teacher, or because he is currently a bad teacher.
Some examples in the wild:
The nuances can change if you add a time complement.
“Make” carries a sense of achievement, whereas “become” sounds more passive.
In the past tense, the implications are somewhat different for make. “He made a good teacher” makes me think that he is no longer a teacher.