coming to feed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming to feed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is arriving to provide food or nourishment, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "The birds are coming to feed at the bird feeder I set up in the backyard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They're coming to feed".

The New York Times

When they realise no one is coming to feed them they have to learn how to survive on their own.

The Guardian

We're fed up with the glitterati – pardon the term – coming to feed off Calais' misfortunes and treating the people stuck within its walls like lab rats.

The Guardian

A few weeks ago, about 10 of the new elephants began coming to feed every night at the villagers' little farms.

The New York Times

Sei whales appeared off the coast of Norway at the same time as the pollock, both coming to feed on the abundant plankton.

Wikipedia

There's The Gruffalo, which makes her wake up in the night screaming that monsters with scales on their back are coming to feed her to an owl.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

One of the nephews came to feed the remaining dogs.

The New York Times

When Leonard came to feed the cats, Margery phoned.

The New Yorker

No one moves to this place to get rich; they come to feed their souls.

The Guardian

Some come to feed his passion for overhauling the tax code, others to temper it.

The New York Times

But others came to feed another need, a hunger for narcotics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intent. It can apply literally (animals feeding) or metaphorically (people exploiting a situation).

Common error

Avoid using "coming to feed" when the primary purpose isn't directly related to eating. For example, don't use it to describe someone visiting a place primarily for social reasons, even if they also eat while there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming to feed" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically an infinitive phrase, acting as an adverbial modifier to express purpose or intention. It explains why someone or something is arriving or moving towards a location. As per Ludwig, this phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coming to feed" describes the act of arriving at a location with the intention of eating or obtaining sustenance. Grammatically sound, Ludwig AI confirms it's appropriate for both literal scenarios (animals eating) and metaphorical situations (opportunistic exploitation). While most common in news and media sources, this phrase carries a neutral register that fits both formal and informal communications. Remember to consider the context to accurately reflect the intent. Similar phrases include "arriving to eat" or "approaching for sustenance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arriving to eat

Focuses directly on the action of eating upon arrival. Does not imply providing sustenance.

approaching for sustenance

Highlights the need for sustenance as the reason for approaching.

showing up to consume

More informal and emphasizes the act of consumption.

turning up to feast

Suggests a large or celebratory meal upon arrival.

making an appearance for food

More formal, emphasizing the act of appearing for the purpose of obtaining food.

visiting to dine

Implies a planned or invited meal during the visit.

descending for nourishment

A more dramatic and formal way of saying arriving to feed. Implies a movement from higher to lower.

drawing near to graze

Specifically implies feeding on grass or plants. Applicable to animals.

flocking to eat

Emphasizes a large group arriving to consume food.

gathering to forage

Focuses on the action of searching for food collectively. Often suggests a natural setting.

FAQs

How can I use "coming to feed" in a sentence?

You can use "coming to feed" to describe animals or people arriving at a specific location with the intention of eating, like "The birds are coming to feed at the bird feeder." It can also be used metaphorically.

What's a good alternative to "coming to feed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "arriving to eat", "approaching for sustenance", or "showing up to consume".

Is "coming to feed" formal or informal?

"Coming to feed" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

What does it imply when someone says "they are coming to feed"?

It implies that the subject (animals, people, etc.) is arriving with the primary intention of consuming food or obtaining nourishment. It can also suggest opportunism, as in "We're fed up with the glitterati… coming to feed off Calais' misfortunes".