Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

(1) This is the way in which Tom has got become good at speaking French.
(2) This is the way by which Tom has got become good at speaking French.

Which is better, (1) or (2)? I think that (1) is better, but how about (2)? If you use by, do you have different meanings?

Thank you in advance.

[pugachevV]

This is the way in which Tom has become good at speaking French.

The use of got with become is incorrect, but in many parts of the USA you will hear, "This is the way in which Tom has gotten good at speaking French."
This is an archaic usage that has survived in US English, but not in the other English speaking countries, except in the adjective ill-gotten (acquired by illegal or unfair means).

[Lorikeet]

I think I can accept "This is the way by which Tom has become good at speaking French." as well, but I probably would use "in" myself.

[learner12]

Dear Lorikeet & pugachevV:

Thank you much for your explanations.

Take care and have a nice day!!