Question 1

Why use hicieron (from hacerse) here instead of volvieron (from volverse) for 'became'?

Accepted Answer

Hacerse is the go-to verb for changes in status, profession, or ideology that usually involve deliberate effort or a conscious decision. Since becoming allies (aliados) is an active, mutual agreement, se hicieron is the most natural choice. Volverse is generally used for involuntary, gradual, or deeper personality changes.

Question 2

Would convertirse en also work in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could say se convirtieron en aliados. Convertirse en implies a major transformation and is very common with nouns. However, hacerse is heavily used for social relationships and affiliations (like friends or partners), making se hicieron aliados sound very natural for people forming a pact.

Question 3

Why isn't there an article like unos before aliados?

Accepted Answer

When using hacerse with unmodified nouns that indicate a status, profession, or group membership, you drop the indefinite article. You would only add it if you were describing the noun further, such as in se hicieron unos aliados muy poderosos (they became very powerful allies).

Question 4

Why is the preterite tense (hicieron) used instead of the imperfect (hacían)?

Accepted Answer

Verbs of becoming inherently describe a transition or an event crossing a threshold. Because they formed this alliance as a completed action during the war, the preterite (hicieron) is required. Using the imperfect (se hacían) would mean they were in the ongoing, unfinished process of becoming allies.

Ellos se hicieron aliados durante la guerra.

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