come to see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come to see" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to visit you, usually with the purpose of seeing them in person. For example: "We'd love to have you come to see us while you're in town."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You come to see me.

The New York Times - Books

"You didn't come to see me".

The New Yorker

Has he come to see the play?

The New York Times

We will come to see you.

The New Yorker

Indeed, they come to see something different.

The New York Times

Has Amy come to see you perform?

The New York Times

They had come to see for themselves.

The New Yorker

They'd come to see good comedy".

The New Yorker

I had come to see for myself.

The New York Times

Those customers had come to see Sammy.

The New York Times

Tourists come to see them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Using "come to see" can imply a personal invitation. Be mindful of the level of formality required by the context. In professional settings, consider alternatives like "visit" or "attend".

Common error

Avoid using "come to see" in contexts where a visit is expected or required, rather than optional. For instance, saying "The auditor will come to see your books" might sound odd; instead, use "The auditor will review your books".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to see" primarily functions as an infinitive verb phrase, often used to express an invitation or suggestion to visit or observe something. Ludwig AI shows its widespread usage across various contexts, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come to see" is a versatile and common expression used primarily to invite or suggest a visit for observation or interaction. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, with frequent usage in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it tends towards informality, making alternatives like "visit" or "attend" more suitable for formal settings. When writing, be aware of the implications of invitation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "come to see" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay a visit

Implies a formal or social call, often shorter in duration and less focused on observation.

drop by

Suggests an informal and often unplanned visit.

look in on

Emphasizes checking on someone or something, often out of concern or duty.

attend

Focuses on being present at an event or gathering.

check out

Implies investigating or examining something, often casually.

behold

Suggests a more formal or poetic observation.

witness

Implies observing something of significance, often an event or occurrence.

observe

Focuses on careful and attentive watching.

make an appearance

Highlights the act of showing up, often briefly or for a specific purpose.

present oneself

Conveys a formal or deliberate act of arriving.

FAQs

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

Use "come to see" to invite someone to visit you or something you want to show them. For instance, "You should "come to see" my new apartment" or "I'd love for you to "come to see" our performance".

What are some alternatives to "come to see"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "visit", "drop by", "attend", or "check out". The best choice depends on the reason for the visit and the level of formality.

Is "come to see" formal or informal?

"Come to see" leans towards the informal side. For more formal situations, consider using "visit" or "attend".

When should I use "visit" instead of "come to see"?

Use "visit" in professional contexts or when you want to sound more formal. For example, "The inspector will "visit" the site" is more appropriate than "The inspector will "come to see" the site".