Is had become a helping verb phrase?

"Had become" is not a helping verb phrase. It's a verb phrase that combines a past participle ("become") with an auxiliary verb ("had").

Here's why:

* Helping Verbs: These verbs help to form tenses or moods. Examples include "have," "has," "had," "will," "would," "shall," "should," "can," "could," "may," and "might."

* Verb Phrase: This consists of a main verb and any helping verbs that go with it.

In the phrase "had become," "had" is a helping verb indicating the past perfect tense, and "become" is the main verb.

Let me know if you have any other grammar questions!