come to the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come to the surface" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when a person or thing has been pushing something aside that is now being brought to attention. For example: "John had kept his feelings hidden for so long, but when his friend asked him how he was feeling, those emotions finally came to the surface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things come to the surface.

The New York Times

The queens never come to the surface.

The New York Times - Science

"That it's come to the surface is a good thing.

The Guardian

Do you let your emotions come to the surface?

The Guardian - Music

The burns started to come to the surface.

The Guardian

"Our feeling is, let the pus come to the surface".

The New York Times

After heavy rainfalls golden moles come to the surface.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The tiddlers come to the surface quite quickly.

The Economist

Why do they come to the surface of the snow?

The New York Times

These animals must come to the surface to breathe.

The Economist

In the later works, especially, those elements are sometimes allowed to come to the surface.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come to the surface" when describing the revelation of previously hidden information, emotions, or physical objects. For example, "After years of suppression, her anger finally "came to the surface"."

Common error

Don't use "come to the surface" to describe the action of moving from a lower position to a higher one if there is no prior state of concealment. For instance, instead of saying "The swimmer came to the surface for air", use "The swimmer rose to the surface for air".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come to the surface" functions as a verb phrase indicating the emergence or revelation of something previously hidden or submerged. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, from physical appearances to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come to the surface" is a versatile and frequently used phrase indicating the emergence or revelation of something previously hidden. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to use it to describe a transition from concealment to visibility, and avoid using it for simple movements without a prior state of concealment. Consider alternatives like "emerge" or "become apparent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emerge

This single-word alternative focuses on the act of appearing or becoming visible.

come into view

This alternative emphasizes the act of becoming visible or noticeable.

come to light

Similar to "become apparent", this emphasizes the unveiling of something previously unknown.

become apparent

This phrase focuses on something becoming clear or obvious.

be revealed

This suggests that something previously hidden is now being disclosed.

make an appearance

This focuses on the act of showing up or becoming present.

be disclosed

Focuses on the act of making information known that was previously secret.

rise to the top

This phrase implies ascending to a prominent position, often after a period of being submerged.

materialize

Implies becoming real or concrete after a period of being intangible or conceptual.

spring up

This suggests a sudden or rapid emergence.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "comes to the surface"?

When something "comes to the surface", it means that it becomes visible, known, or apparent after being hidden or concealed. This can apply to emotions, information, or physical objects.

How can I use "come to the surface" in a sentence?

You can use "come to the surface" in various contexts. For example: "The truth began to "come to the surface" during the investigation" or "His long-suppressed emotions finally "came to the surface" during the therapy session."

What are some alternatives to "come to the surface"?

Some alternatives to "come to the surface" include "emerge", "become apparent", or "be revealed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "coming to the surface" the same as "surfacing"?

"Coming to the surface" implies a process of revelation or emergence, while "surfacing" typically refers to the physical act of appearing on the surface. You might say, "The submarine surfaced," but "The scandal came to the surface."