I came to study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I came to study" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the purpose of your visit or arrival at a place, indicating that your intention is to engage in studying. Example: "When I arrived at the university, I came to study and improve my knowledge in my field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I came to study Portuguese literature".

The New York Times

One of the first expressions I learned when I came to study in Italy, four decades ago, was "Governo Ladro".

The Guardian - Travel

I came to study ballet, and to arrive and swim in such culture-rich waters was a homecoming.

The Guardian

Even in Kabul — where I lived until nine months ago when I came to study in the United States — most people still get their water from wells.

The New York Times

Making Drinks and Song, But Not Enough of Either Rescalla Cury, 22, an aspiring musician, lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and tends bar at a restaurant in Chelsea: I came to study music.

The New York Times

At that time Mr. Berenson held a view of Botticelli somewhat different from that of the scholarly community of Florence, and I thought to myself what a good thing it was that I came to study with him.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I'm Australian but came to study in the US.

The Guardian

When I arrived at one church I had come to study, I thought that I would stick out like a sore thumb.

The New York Times

I'd come to study contemporary dance, but in the mornings worked in the United Nations.

The New Yorker

Even at the time, this seemed like a weirdly perfect motif for the blurred line between normality and oddness that had brought me to Kansas, and one which resonated with the man that I had come to study.

Independent

I proposed that he come to study.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I came to study", ensure the context clearly establishes the location or situation you are referring to. For example, "I came to the library to study for my exams" provides a clearer picture than simply "I came to study".

Common error

Avoid using "I came to study" without specifying where you came to. Omitting the location can lead to ambiguity. Always provide context, like "I came to the university to study" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I came to study" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason for someone's arrival or action. As supported by Ludwig, it clearly expresses the intention behind the act of coming.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I came to study" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express the purpose of arriving at a certain location to learn or research. As affirmed by Ludwig, this construction is correct and versatile. It commonly appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts, showcasing its broad applicability. When using the phrase, ensure to include adequate context for clarity. Related phrases include "I enrolled to study" or "My intention was to study". As a practical tip, specify where you came to in order to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My intention was to study

Explicitly states the original intention, offering a slightly more formal or deliberate tone.

My purpose in coming was to study

Rephrases the sentence to put greater emphasis on the 'purpose' behind the action, adding a more formal tone.

I came for the purpose of studying

Clarifies the reason for arrival, emphasizing the deliberate nature of seeking education.

I enrolled to study

Focuses on the act of formal enrollment in a course of study, highlighting the registration aspect.

I began studying

Emphasizes the start of the learning process itself, rather than the intention behind arriving at a location.

I was drawn to study

Suggests an inherent attraction or interest that motivated the act of studying, emphasizing personal inclination.

I set out to study

Highlights the initial intention and planning phase before the actual act of studying began.

I pursued study in

Emphasizes the active following of a course of study, signifying determination and continued effort.

I made the journey to study

Implies a significant effort or distance was involved in reaching the place of study, emphasizing the travel aspect.

I undertook studies in

Highlights the commitment and seriousness of engaging in a particular field of study.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I came to study" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "My intention was to study" or "I arrived with the purpose of studying". These options express the same idea with a more deliberate and serious emphasis.

Is it correct to say "I came here for studying" instead of "I came to study"?

While "I came here for studying" is grammatically understandable, it's less common and slightly awkward. "I came here "to study"" is the more natural and grammatically preferred construction.

What's the difference between "I came to study" and "I came and studied"?

"I came "to study"" indicates the purpose of your arrival. "I came and studied" suggests you arrived and then engaged in studying, possibly among other activities.

Can I use "I went to study" instead of "I came to study"?

Yes, "I went "to study"" is a valid alternative. However, "I came "to study"" implies arrival at a specific place for the purpose of studying, while "I went "to study"" simply indicates you went somewhere for the purpose of studying, without necessarily emphasizing the arrival.