He could not make himself what he had wished to be. 和 He could not become what he had wished to be. 的差別在哪裡？如果不好說明，請提供一些例句。

@cherrychin
They’re quite similar, but given the right context they could mean different things.

-“He could not make himself what he had wished he could be”
‘Making something of yourself’ is the process of changing yourself and/or working towards a goal, bettering yourself, to become successful in your goals.
Example:
A mother scolding her unmotivated child, “You should go out and make something of yourself!”

A woman works hard to start up her own business, and makes a lot money.
“She’s a self-made millionaire!”

A man wants to become a surgeon, but was unable to pass med school.
“He could not make himself what he had wished he could be.”

-“He could not become something he wished he could be”
‘Becoming something’ is slightly different. To change or be something different. To take up a role.
Example:

The woman decided to become a writer.

A man wants to be a professional athlete, but he is unable to because of a disease, or something out of his control.
“He could not become what he had wished he could be.”


-Making yourself something is intentional, and you work for it. You make a role to play.
-Becoming something, you can also work for it, but is in some cases not intentional. A more gradual change. You fill a role to play.

Sorry if this doesn’t make a lot of sense. I hope this helps!