I'm kinda ok with basic "The more…, the less…" type of sentences, like
The more you think about it, the less likely you are to take action,
but what if I want to say next:
The more repetitive this action becomes, the less sincere it… er… becomes?
Something is wrong here. Replacing "becomes" with "is" in any or both parts doesn't make it better I think. Or should I give up on this and paraphrase it as "Repetitiveness of this action makes it less sincere"?
This particular sentence is not very important but I would come up to this question anyway sooner or later because I often say things in that way in my native language.
Best Answer
The sentences with is and becomes have different connotations. Becomes suggests a continuum with numerous possible points of moreness along it. Is suggests taking a measure at a single point of reference.
Obviously, since the term more and less (or any other comparatives) are used, there have to be at least two points of reference for each criterion. But becoming, as well as the suggested alternative, getting, give a greater sense of a continuous progression in both directions.