come in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to welcome someone into a space or when you want to encourage someone to move forward with action or a discussion. Example: "Come in and have a seat. Let's discuss our plans for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Come in, come in!

The New York Times - Health

Come in, please, come in!

The New York Times

"Come in," I said.

The New Yorker

"Come in now!

The New Yorker

And come in laughing.

The New Yorker

"Come in," she said.

The New Yorker

Come in, Ralph!

The New Yorker

Come in, come in, come in!

The Guardian - Books

"Come in, gentlemen, come in.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Zombies come in groups.

WikiHow

Come in clean.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come in" in radio communications, ensure clarity by speaking slowly and distinctly.

Common error

Avoid using "come in" in contexts where it could be confused with other phrasal verbs. For example, instead of saying "The new evidence came in late", specify "The new evidence arrived late" to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "come in" is to act as an intransitive phrasal verb, indicating the action of entering a space or becoming involved. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "come in" is used in this context, confirming its function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "come in" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, primarily centered around entering a space or becoming relevant. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both informal invitations and professional discussions. While "come in" is frequently used in News & Media and Wiki contexts, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity is crucial. Alternative phrases like "enter" and "step inside" can provide more specific connotations depending on the desired nuance. Ultimately, "come in" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit, enabling effective communication in diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enter

Focuses solely on the act of physically entering a space, lacking the welcoming nuance of "come in".

go in

Similar to "enter" but can also imply joining an activity or situation.

step inside

Emphasizes the physical action of taking a step into a location.

walk in

Similar to "step inside", specifically referring to entering by walking.

get inside

Indicates the action of moving to the interior of something. Can be used in casual contexts.

gain entry

Highlights the act of successfully accessing a place, often where access might be restricted.

be admitted

Suggests a formal process of being allowed to enter.

make an entrance

Focuses on the manner of entering, often implying a noticeable or dramatic entry.

approach

Suggests moving closer but doesn't necessarily imply entering.

arrive

Focuses on reaching a destination, not necessarily entering a specific space.

FAQs

How is "come in" used as a phrasal verb?

As a phrasal verb, "come in" typically means to enter a place or to arrive. It can also mean to become involved or relevant. Examples include: "Come in, the door is open" and "That's where the marketing team "come in"."

What are some alternatives to saying "come in" when welcoming someone?

Instead of "come in", you could say "enter", "step inside", or "please enter" to invite someone into a space.

Can "come in" be used in contexts other than entering a physical space?

Yes, "come in" can also be used to indicate that something has become available or relevant. For example, "The new features will "come in" the next update" refers to the availability of the new features.

Is there a difference between "come in" and "go in"?

"Come in" is generally used to invite someone into your space, while "go in" describes someone entering a place, often without an invitation. For example, you might say "Come in, please!", but describe someone else "go in" without being noticed.