How To Use The Word "Come" In English: Mastering Its Different Meanings and Contexts

The English language is filled with versatile and multi-purpose words that can often leave non-native speakers perplexed. One such word is "come," which is utilized in various contexts and holds multiple meanings. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of using "come" in English, equip you with an understanding of its different forms, and provide real-life examples to solidify your understanding. So, let's dive in and unravel the mysteries of this fascinating word!

1. Come as a Verbal Action

One of the fundamental uses of "come" in English is as a verb denoting an action. It implies the movement or arrival of a person or object towards the speaker or the place where the speaker is located.

For example:

How to Use the Word “Come” In English: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word “Come” (Words In Common Usage Book 2)

by Manik Joshi(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	773 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages

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"Please come to the party tomorrow night."

"Come and visit me at my office."

"Would you like to come with us to the beach?"

By using "come" in these contexts, you invite or ask someone to join you or arrive at a particular destination.

2. Come as an Intransitive Verb

An intransitive verb is a verb that does not require an object to complete its meaning. "Come" can function in this way when it refers to the act of arriving or moving towards a particular location without mentioning a specific destination.

For instance:

"Winter has come, and the snow is starting to fall."

"As the storm worsened, darkness came."

"With each passing day, spring comes closer."

In these examples, "come" is used to describe the natural progression of time or the arrival of a particular season or event.

3. Come as a Phrasal Verb

"Come" can also be combined with prepositions or adverbs to form phrasal verbs, where the meaning of the word changes based on the additional element.

Let's explore some common phrasal verbs with "come":

a) Come across: to encounter or find something or someone by chance.

Example:

"While organizing my attic, I came across an old photo album from my childhood."

b) Come up: to approach or move closer to something or someone.

Example:

"The dog came up to me wagging its tail, seeking some attention."

c) Come by: to acquire or obtain something, often with effort or difficulty.

Example:

"I managed to come by some exclusive concert tickets from a friend."

d) Come off: to successfully happen or take place.

Example:

"The magician's performance came off flawlessly, leaving the audience in awe."

Expanding your knowledge of these phrasal verbs will enhance your understanding of "come" and its versatility in different situations.

4. Come as an Idiomatic Expression

Like many other words in English, "come" is used in various idiomatic expressions where its meaning goes beyond its literal interpretation.

Here are a few examples:

a) Come rain or shine: regardless of any circumstances or challenges.

Example:

"I'll be there for you, come rain or shine."

b) Come clean: to admit the truth or confess something.

Example:

"After hours of interrogation, the suspect finally came clean about his involvement in the crime."

c) Come full circle: to return to the starting point or reach a .

Example:

"After years of ups and downs, my career has come full circle, and I am now working in the same industry where I started."

d) Come what may: regardless of what happens.

Example:

"I will support you, come what may."

These idiomatic expressions demonstrate how the word "come" can encapsulate specific meanings and connotations based on the context in which they are used.

5. Come as a Phrasal Noun

While "come" is generally associated with verbs, it can also function as a phrasal noun, often used in specific phrases or expressions.

Consider these examples:

a) Just around the corner: in the near future or very soon.

Example:

"Don't worry, success is just around the corner for you."

b) On the come: indicating success, improvement, or progress.

Example:

"The team's recent victories suggest they are on the come."

c) No-show: a person who fails to attend or appear at an expected event or appointment.

Example:

"We had planned a surprise party for her, but she turned out to be a no-show."

d) For the come: a phrase used in gambling to describe the potential winnings or losses.

Example:

"He went all-in, risking his entire stack for the come."

By familiarizing yourself with these phrasal nouns, you will be better equipped to comprehend and use the word "come" effectively in various contexts.

The word "come" holds immense power in the English language, boasting an array of meanings and applications. Whether you are inviting someone, describing an arrival, encountering chance situations, or utilizing idiomatic expressions, "come" provides enormous flexibility.

By mastering the different forms and contexts in which "come" is used, you will gain confidence and precision in your English communication skills. So, embrace the versatility of this fascinating word and let it enrich your conversational repertoire!

How to Use the Word “Come” In English: A Comprehensive Guide to the Word “Come” (Words In Common Usage Book 2)

by Manik Joshi(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	773 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	88 pages

FREE

This Book Covers The Following Topics:

01. English Verb -- ‘Come’
02. Meanings of the Main Verb ‘Come’
03. Idioms With the Word ‘Come’
04. Phrasal Verbs With the Word ‘Come’
05. Proverbs/Sayings With the Word ‘Come’
06. Useful Expressions With the Word ‘Come’
07. English Word: ‘Come’ -- Useful Notes
08. Conjugation of the Verb ‘Come’

Sample This:

Come is an irregularverb. Its three forms are as follows:

First Form (Base Form) -- COME
Second Form (Past Form) -- CAME
Third Form (Past Participle) -- COME

Present Perfect of ‘Come’ – Have/HasCome
Past Perfect of ‘Come’ -- HadCome

-ING Form of ‘Come’ -- Coming
Infinitive of ‘Come’ -- ToCome

MOST COMMON Meanings OF “COME” AS A MAIN VERB ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Meaning01:toarriveat,gettoorreachaplace;tomovetowardsapersonorplace

ExampleSentences:
My parcel came today but sadly an item that I had ordered was missing.
When opportunity came at last, I made the most of it.
Your ordered items are coming in a little while.
Help came late!
He cameinto the dressing room.

(come(to..))
Today is holiday but he cameto office in the afternoon for some work.
They went along the road and cameto a stream
What time did he cometo your farmhouse?
The time has cometo say goodbye – for a while.

(cometodosth)
They are comingtomeet you personally today.
He had cometosolve your problems.
She cametowork despite being told to stay home.

Come near!
His daughter came home in the evening,
“It is quite a storm coming in.

Meaning02:tohappen

ExampleSentences:
Did this contractcome after the initial announcement of the record?
The rainscame late but were abundant to end months-long drought
(comeassth)
Testing positive for a dengue fever cameas a rude shock to him.
The increased payments cameas a relief.
Results of the company did not cameas expectations.
It cameas no surprise to us that he was named “Student of the Year”.

Meaning03:to arrive somewhere with a purpose to do sth or get sth

ExampleSentences:(comeforsth) She cameforavacation with her two sons.
(comeaboutsth) She cameabouthisdinner.(cometodosth) His wife and children cametomeethim.(comedoingsth) He camecomplainingfortoothpain at the upper left maxilla.

Meaning04:(come to/into sth) used to show that sth has reached a particular state

ExampleSentences:
His life journey suddenly cametoanend.
The motorcycle cametoastop.
Hitler cametopower in 1933
She analyzed the information and cametoadecision.
He cametoa without hearing me completely.