come to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come to know" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is most commonly used to express the concept of learning or becoming familiar with something. For example, "Through my internship, I have come to know the ins and outs of the business world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've come to know him, too.

The Guardian

"They will come to know the truth.

The Washington Post

I've come to know her very well.

The New York Times - Arts

How did you come to know Maurice?

The New Yorker

Clinician and engineer must come to know the other's problems, their weaknesses and their strengths.

Journal of Biomechanics

We come to know what went wrong in a material or process selection through case studies.

Anticorrosive Rubber Lining

How did you first come to know about Divine?

The New York Times

How did you first come to know Mavis?

The New Yorker

"I have come to know and like the Clintons".

The New Yorker

That's not the Hagrid I'd come to know.

The New York Times

How did he come to know these things?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to know" to describe a gradual process of learning or understanding, particularly when emphasizing a change in perspective or familiarity over time. For example, "Over the years, I've come to know the importance of patience."

Common error

Avoid using "come to know" when referring to instantaneous acquisition of information. "I instantly knew the answer" is more appropriate than "I came to know the answer" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to know" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a process of learning, discovery, or gaining familiarity with something or someone. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts, showcasing its versatility in expressing evolving understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come to know" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the gradual development of understanding or familiarity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse fields like news, science, and academia, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the element of time and the evolving nature of knowledge. Avoid using it for instantaneous realizations. Related phrases such as ""become acquainted with"" or ""grow to understand"" can be used to add nuance to your writing. Overall, "come to know" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

learn about

A more general term for acquiring knowledge, without necessarily implying deep understanding.

become aware of

Highlights the aspect of noticing or recognizing something, often something previously unnoticed.

become acquainted with

Focuses on the aspect of becoming familiar, often implying a formal introduction or initial experience.

grow to understand

Emphasizes a gradual process of developing comprehension over time.

form an understanding of

Focuses on the creation or construction of a mental model or concept.

begin to realize

Highlights the start of understanding or awareness, often after a period of uncertainty.

gain insight into

Implies a deeper level of understanding, often related to complex or hidden aspects.

discover

Stresses the act of finding something out, often unexpectedly.

develop an appreciation for

Suggests not just understanding, but also a positive sentiment or value attached to something.

experience

Focuses on direct involvement and personal encounters that lead to knowledge.

FAQs

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

Use "come to know" to describe a gradual process of learning or understanding something. For example: "After many years, I've come to know the value of friendship."

What are some alternatives to "come to know"?

Alternatives include "become acquainted with", "grow to understand", or "learn about", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "come to know" and "find out"?

"Come to know" implies a gradual understanding or familiarity developed over time, while "find out" suggests a more immediate discovery of information. For instance, you might "come to know" a person's character over years, but "find out" the result of an election quickly.

Is it correct to say "coming to know"?

Yes, "coming to know" is a correct and valid progressive form of "come to know", often used to describe an ongoing process of learning or understanding. For example, "I am coming to know the city better with each passing day."