come to terms with

USAGE SUMMARY

"come to terms with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are referring to accepting something difficult or coming to an agreement. Example Sentence: I had to come to terms with the fact that I was no longer able to continue my job.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I couldn't come to terms with it.

Independent

"He has come to terms with practice.

The Guardian - Sport

It's hard to come to terms with".

The Guardian - Music

They've never come to terms with this".

The New York Times

I'd totally come to terms with that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I have come to terms with it.

The Guardian - Sport

I have not come to terms with it".

The New York Times - Arts

I say, just come to terms with reality.

The Economist

She must come to terms with that reality.

The New York Times - Books

Others have come to terms with the new stadium's requirements.

The New Yorker

[laughs] But I had come to terms with it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to terms with" when you want to convey the idea of accepting something difficult or previously unacceptable. It often implies a process of emotional or intellectual adjustment.

Common error

Avoid confusing "come to terms with" with the phrase "come to term", which refers to the completion of a pregnancy. The meanings are entirely different.

How to use

Learn how to use "come to terms with" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to terms with" functions as a verb phrase expressing the action of accepting or reaching an understanding about something previously difficult or unacceptable. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Huffington Post

10%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come to terms with" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies acceptance or agreement, often in the face of difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. The phrase's primary function is to describe a process of adaptation, and it maintains a generally neutral register. Remember that the phrase implies a process of emotional or intellectual adjustment, and be careful to avoid confusion with the phrase "come to term". By understanding the nuances of "come to terms with", writers can effectively communicate the process of accepting challenging circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand and accept

Emphasizes both intellectual comprehension and emotional acceptance of a situation or fact.

make peace with

Focuses on achieving a state of emotional tranquility and acceptance regarding a past event or situation.

accept reality

Focuses specifically on accepting a situation as it is, often implying a previous state of denial or resistance.

reconcile oneself to

Implies a process of making peace with something undesirable, often involving emotional adjustment.

accept the consequences

Specifically highlights the acceptance of the results or outcomes of an action or event.

resign oneself to

Suggests a passive acceptance of something inevitable, without necessarily implying emotional resolution.

get used to

Emphasizes the process of becoming familiar and comfortable with something new or different.

adjust to

Highlights the act of adapting one's behavior or thinking to fit a new situation.

swallow the pill

This is an idiom, indicating accepting something unpleasant reluctantly.

face the music

An idiom meaning to accept the unpleasant consequences of one's actions.

FAQs

How can I use "come to terms with" in a sentence?

You can use "come to terms with" to express acceptance of a difficult situation. For example, "After losing his job, he had to "come to terms with" the fact that he needed to find a new career path".

What are some alternatives to "come to terms with"?

Alternatives to "come to terms with" include "accept reality", "reconcile oneself to", or "make peace with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "come to terms with" or "accept"?

"Come to terms with" implies a process of acceptance, often of something initially resisted, while "accept" is a more general term. Use "come to terms with" when you want to emphasize the struggle and eventual acceptance, otherwise just use "accept".

What is the difference between "come to terms with" and "deal with"?

"Come to terms with" emphasizes acceptance, whereas "deal with" focuses on managing or handling a situation. For example, you might "deal with" a problem by addressing it directly, but "come to terms with" a loss by accepting that it has happened.