To Be or To Become

[enthusiastic learner]

What is the difference between these two? And how will you know which one to use?

I want to be a doctor.

or

I want to become a doctor.

 

[bhaisahab]

What is the difference between these two? And how will you know which one to use?

I want to be a doctor.

or

I want to become a doctor.

There is no difference in meaning.

 

[probus]

There might be a slight difference in shading. If you were thinking of the achievement itself you would say becoming a doctor, but if you were thinking about the ongoing experience after the achievement you would say being a doctor.