comes in and out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "comes in and out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears and disappears intermittently, such as a signal, light, or even a person's presence. Example: "The Wi-Fi signal comes in and out, making it difficult to work from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Money comes in and out daily as health care companies deliver new receivables and old ones are paid.

The New York Times

"Data comes in and out so fast".

The New York Times

It's very easy to control who comes in and out.

Yale University

Sherwood's eldest daughter Denise comes in and out with friends.

The Guardian - Music

"Everything that comes in and out of this place is all right here".

The New Yorker

They're a great audience that comes in and out," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

People come in and out, issuing friendly greetings.

The New York Times - Food

A few worshipers had begun coming in and out, as they often do on weekday mornings.

The New York Times

The tide comes in and goes out".

The New York Times

It's always come in and out.

The New York Times

"Cars were still coming in and out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comes in and out" to describe phenomena that are not consistently present, such as radio signals, fleeting thoughts, or intermittent access to a location. For example, "The Wi-Fi signal at the cafe comes in and out, so it's unreliable for video calls."

Common error

Avoid using "comes in and out" to describe continuous movement or traffic flow, as it implies intermittency. Instead of saying "Cars come in and out of the parking lot all day", which suggests the parking lot experiences only sporadic car movement, try "Cars are constantly entering and exiting the parking lot" or "There's a steady flow of cars in and out of the parking lot" if you mean to communicate a continuous state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comes in and out" functions as a verb phrase typically used to describe something that appears, enters, or becomes noticeable and then disappears, exits, or becomes unnoticeable, often repeatedly. As Ludwig highlights, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "comes in and out" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the intermittent nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Its usage spans various contexts, but it is particularly frequent in news and media. When writing, it's crucial to ensure that "comes in and out" accurately reflects the intended meaning of intermittency and avoid using it to describe continuous movements. Alternatives like "appears and disappears" or "fluctuates" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is intermittent

Directly states the non-continuous nature of something.

appears and disappears

Focuses on the visual aspect of something becoming visible and then vanishing.

fades in and out

Focuses on gradual changes in intensity or clarity.

fluctuates

Highlights the varying levels or states of something over time.

ebbs and flows

Emphasizes a rhythmic pattern of receding and returning, often used metaphorically.

recurs periodically

Implies a pattern of reappearance at regular intervals.

surfaces and recedes

Describes a movement from below a surface to above, and back again.

oscillates

Suggests a back-and-forth movement or variation between two states.

alternates

Highlights a consistent switching between two options or states.

cycles through

Emphasizes the repeating nature of a process or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "comes in and out" in a sentence?

You can use "comes in and out" to describe something that appears and disappears intermittently. For example, "His accent "comes in and out" depending on who he's talking to", or "The sunlight "comes in and out" as the clouds pass overhead".

What's the difference between "comes in and out" and "fades in and out"?

"Comes in and out" suggests a more abrupt appearance and disappearance, while "fades in and out" implies a gradual increase and decrease in intensity or visibility. For instance, a radio signal might "come in and out", while a light could "fade in and out".

What can I say instead of "comes in and out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "appears and disappears", "is intermittent", or "fluctuates" to convey a similar meaning to "comes in and out".

Is "comes in and out" formal or informal?

"Comes in and out" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing. Consider your audience when selecting the most appropriate phrase.