came free

USAGE SUMMARY

"came free" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something is provided or given to you without charge or obligation. For example, "The meal came free with the coupon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Of course, none of this came free.

The New York Times

It came free with my two-year contract.

The New York Times

This was something more normal that came free.

The Guardian - Books

He came free for a 3-point attempt from the right wing.

The New York Times - Sports

It came free a couple of times and they were able to clean it up.

The New York Times

A lot of allocation money came free so expect a lot more movement.

The New York Times

Instead, the puck came free, and Crosby swirled around and backhanded it in.

The New York Times - Sports

She noted that the figure was for materials only; their labor, of course, came free.

The New York Times

That was bad enough, but three centuries later came free, compulsory education.

The Guardian

As the host country, the 2012 Olympic entry came free, like a coupon in the Sunday paper.

The New York Times - Sports

With a dainty hand, Sheik Musa Hilal gently tugged on his eyelashes until one came free in his fingers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "came free" to describe something received without payment, ensure the context clearly indicates what it was associated with. For example, "The software came free with the new computer."

Common error

Avoid using "came free" when the item was deeply discounted but not entirely free. It's more accurate to state the actual price or discount offered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came free" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating that something was obtained without any monetary cost or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "came free" is a common and correct way to express that something was obtained without cost. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely accepted in written English across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to maintain clarity and avoid overstating the 'free' aspect when it's merely a significant discount. Remember to consider more formal alternatives like "was provided at no cost" in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was included without charge

Explicitly states that something was included as part of a purchase or deal.

was supplied free of charge

Similar to "was provided at no cost" but emphasizes the act of supplying.

was provided at no cost

Focuses on the act of providing something without a charge, emphasizing the giver.

was available for nothing

Highlights the lack of cost in acquiring something.

was offered complimentary

Highlights the act of offering something as a courtesy or promotion.

was given gratis

Uses a more formal term for "free", suggesting a deliberate act of giving something without payment.

became detached

Similar to "became unfastened" but suggests a more complete separation.

was thrown in as a bonus

Suggests that something was added as an extra incentive.

became unfastened

Emphasizes the act of something detaching or becoming loose.

became disengaged

Similar to "became detached", often used in technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "came free" in a sentence?

You can use "came free" to indicate that something was provided at no additional cost. For example, "The extended warranty "came free" with the purchase of the car."

What are some alternatives to saying "came free"?

Alternatives include "was provided at no cost", "was offered complimentary", or "was included without charge" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "came free" in formal writing?

While "came free" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "was provided at no cost" or "was supplied free of charge" might be preferable in highly formal or business contexts.

When is it more accurate to say "came loose" instead of "came free"?

Use "came loose" when describing something that was attached but became unfastened. For example, "The screw "came loose" from the frame" indicates a physical detachment, while "came free" typically means without cost.