come to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has changed or developed over time. For example: "Through hard work and dedication, he eventually came to be known as one of the top experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How has that come to be?

The New Yorker

How did they come to be?

The New Yorker

How did this come to be?

The New York Times - Arts

How did it come to be there?

The New York Times - Magazine

How did I come to be here?

The New York Times

How does a Duch come to be?

The New York Times

How else would they come to be?

The New Yorker

How do neighborhoods come to be?

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Snitching" comes to be seen as shameful.

The Economist

But most people came to be moved.

The New York Times - Arts

If it came to be paid.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to be" to describe gradual processes or developments rather than sudden occurrences. For example, "The tradition came to be over many years" is preferable to "The accident came to be in a flash."

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses of "come to be". Ensure the tense aligns with the context of the sentence. For example, use "has come to be" for present perfect and "had come to be" for past perfect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to be" functions as a linking verb that connects a subject to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective, indicating a transformation or development over time. It describes how something has changed or evolved into its present state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come to be" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that describes how something originates, develops, or transforms over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It functions as a linking verb and can be used in neutral registers. The phrase is often found in "news & media", academic, and scientific writing. Alternatives such as "arise", "originate", or "develop" can be used depending on the specific nuance required. Remember to maintain proper tense consistency. By understanding these aspects, writers can effectively incorporate "come to be" into their writing and convey the intended meaning with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arise

This alternative is a single word, providing a more concise way to express emergence.

originate

This alternative emphasizes the point of origin or beginning of something.

develop

This alternative focuses on the process of growth and evolution.

emerge

This alternative suggests something becoming visible or known.

form

This alternative implies a specific shape or structure taking place.

take shape

This alternative indicates the gradual development of a defined form.

materialize

This alternative conveys the idea of something becoming real or concrete.

spring up

This alternative suggests a sudden or rapid appearance.

be created

This alternative emphasizes the act of creation or making something.

be established

This alternative highlights the act of setting up or founding something.

FAQs

How can I use "come to be" in a sentence?

You can use "come to be" to describe how something originated or developed over time. For example, "The current political climate has "come to be" as a result of several key historical events".

What are some alternatives to "come to be"?

Some alternatives include "arise", "originate", or "develop", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "come to be" or "originate"?

"Originate" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "come to be", but both are acceptable in many contexts. The best choice depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.

Can "come to be" be used to describe a sudden event?

While grammatically correct, "come to be" is better suited for describing gradual processes or developments. For a sudden event, words like "happen" or "occur" might be more appropriate.