as it comes

USAGE SUMMARY

"as it comes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or thing in its natural state or condition without alteration or external influences. For example: "The salad was fresh and delicious, as it comes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I just take life as it comes.

Independent

I take every day as it comes.

Independent

"As soon as it comes," he said.

The New Yorker

"I always take it as it comes.

Independent

We're living each day as it comes.

Independent

"I just think about each tournament as it comes, each player as it comes".

Independent

I'll just take it as it comes.

The Guardian

We take each tour as it comes".

The New York Times

This is as simple as it comes.

The Guardian

Just take it as it comes".

The New York Times - Sports

Take each day as it comes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as it comes" to encourage a flexible and adaptable approach, especially when facing unpredictable situations. It emphasizes the importance of responding to events in real-time, rather than rigidly adhering to a pre-set plan.

Common error

Avoid using "as it comes" as an excuse for complete inaction or lack of planning. While it encourages flexibility, it doesn't negate the need for preparation and proactive decision-making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it comes" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate a manner of action or a condition of acceptance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies a reactive or adaptive approach to situations, indicating that things are dealt with in the order or manner they present themselves. Examples in Ludwig show it frequently modifying verbs of taking or dealing with events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as it comes" is a versatile expression used to convey a flexible, adaptive, and non-preplanned approach to situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. It suggests a reactive stance, dealing with events or tasks in the order they arise. While useful for promoting adaptability, it should not be mistaken as an excuse for inaction. Alternatives like "in due course" or "sequentially" can provide a more formal tone when needed. Overall, "as it comes" is a valuable phrase for encouraging a receptive and responsive mindset in various aspects of life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handle it as it arises

This conveys the idea of addressing something immediately upon its occurrence, without delay.

take things as they unfold

This phrase highlights the progressive and unpredictable nature of events as they happen.

go with the flow

This suggests adapting to changing circumstances and accepting what happens without resistance.

deal with it when it happens

This is a more direct and action-oriented way of saying to address a situation only when it arises.

one step at a time

This focuses on handling a process or situation by breaking it down into smaller, manageable parts.

play it by ear

This implies improvising and making decisions based on the circumstances at the time, without a fixed plan.

in due course

This alternative focuses on the idea that things will happen at their appropriate time without needing to rush or force them.

cross that bridge when we come to it

This idiom suggests postponing worry or action until a problem actually presents itself.

in the fullness of time

This phrase emphasizes patience and the eventual unfolding of events, often suggesting a more significant or meaningful outcome.

wait and see

This expresses an attitude of patience and observation, allowing events to unfold before reacting.

FAQs

How can I use "as it comes" in a sentence?

You can use "as it comes" to describe accepting events or tasks in the order they arise. For example, "I don't have a fixed schedule; I just take each day "as it comes"".

What is a more formal way to say "as it comes"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "in due course" or "sequentially" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

Is it correct to say "take it as they come" instead of "take it as it comes"?

No, "take it as they come" isn't grammatically correct unless "it" refers to a plural noun. The correct phrase is "take it "as it comes"", especially when referring to a singular, general situation.

What's the difference between "deal with it as it comes" and "deal with it proactively"?

"Deal with it "as it comes"" implies addressing issues when they arise, reacting to the present moment. "Deal with it proactively" suggests anticipating problems and taking action in advance to prevent or mitigate them.