come what may

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come what may" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to something that will happen regardless of what obstacles may arise. For example: "I am determined to attend college in the fall, come what may."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Come what may, in May, we'll still be here," he said.

Independent

Come what may, says summer.

The New Yorker

Come what may.

The Guardian

So come what may.

The New York Times

Wind and rain, come what may.

The New York Times - Arts

We're behind you come what may.

Cornell University

He definitely stays, come what may?

The Guardian - Sport

It should be granted come what may.

The Guardian

Come what may, we're born guilty!

The New Yorker

Come what may, it doesn't matter now".

The New Yorker

"Come what may, Port Talbot will remain.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come what may" to convey a sense of resolve and acceptance of future outcomes, whether positive or negative.

Common error

Avoid using "come what may" when a specific contingency plan is in place; the phrase implies acceptance of unforeseen circumstances, not prepared responses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come what may" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by expressing a condition of acceptance or resignation towards future events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly used in written English. Ludwig's examples show its versatility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come what may" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express acceptance and determination in the face of future uncertainties. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, and the analysis reveals that it's most commonly found in news and media, academic writing and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it conveys a sense of resolve. For alternative expressions, you might consider using phrases like "no matter what happens" or "whatever may come". Remember to use "come what may" when you want to convey that you are prepared to face any outcome, positive or negative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatever may come

This is a direct synonym with a slight shift in word order.

happen what may

This alternative reverses the phrase's structure while preserving the meaning.

no matter what happens

This alternative is a more explicit and common way to express the same sentiment.

regardless of the consequences

This alternative highlights the acceptance of potentially negative outcomes.

in any event

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes that something will happen regardless of other circumstances.

come hell or high water

This is an idiom expressing determination to overcome any obstacles.

at all costs

This alternative suggests a stronger commitment to a course of action, even with high sacrifices.

at any rate

This signifies that something will proceed regardless of previous considerations.

rain or shine

This alternative implies facing challenges without being dissuaded.

be that as it may

While it means "even so", this alternative acknowledges a conflicting point before proceeding.

FAQs

How can I use "come what may" in a sentence?

Use "come what may" to express acceptance of whatever happens in the future, such as "I'm determined to finish this project, "come what may"".

What are some alternatives to "come what may"?

You can use phrases like "no matter what happens", "whatever may come", or "regardless of the consequences".

Is "come what may" formal or informal?

"Come what may" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Is it correct to say "comes what may" instead of "come what may"?

No, the correct phrasing is "come what may". The verb "come" is in the subjunctive mood, expressing a hypothetical situation.