coming to surrender

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming to surrender" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is approaching or arriving with the intention of giving up or yielding, often in a dramatic or conflict-related situation. Example: "After a long standoff, the rebels were finally coming to surrender, hoping for mercy from the opposing forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"They're coming to surrender or be burned in their tanks," he said.

The New York Times

To see them coming to surrender, as Admiral Beatty put it, "like sheep being herded by dogs to their folds", left many feeling cheated.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ten o'clock, ten-fifteen, Talibaniban came to surrender.

The New Yorker

She said, 'You have been selected to lead the government.' So — that is the day the Taliban also came to surrender.

The New Yorker

She said, 'You have been selected to lead the government.' So that is the day the Taliban also came to surrender.

The New Yorker

Sobukwe went on: "In the American civil war it is recorded that Grant treated Lee when he came to surrender, as though he were his superior officer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some of them had come to surrender to the poor conditions, and drew solace only in the fact that it was a system-wide problem.

BMC Health Services Research

He has told them that we are retreating under the pressure of the Cold War, and someday when the time comes to deliver the ultimatum, our surrender will be voluntary because by that time we will have weakened from within spiritually, morally, and economically.

Vice

The county also has begun a partnership with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in which the society's staff intervene with people coming in to surrender animals and try to direct them to resources that could help them keep their pets.

Los Angeles Times

I am sorry that when I celebrated a person coming to Christ and surrendering their sexuality to Him, I callously celebrated the end of relationships that broke your heart.

Huffington Post

"The black students could do very well when the topics were about 'Why I like my room mate' and 'Why I don't like traffic on Route 29,' and so on, but they did very badly when it came to 'Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House' - which was shaking to me because it took place in Richmond".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming to surrender" when you want to emphasize the process or the act of approaching a state of surrender, rather than the surrender itself. This can create a sense of anticipation or impending change.

Common error

Avoid using "coming to surrender" when you simply mean "surrendering". The phrase implies a process or journey towards surrender, not the instantaneous act itself. Ensure the context warrants the emphasis on approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming to surrender" functions as a gerund phrase, where "coming" acts as a verb-turned-noun. As shown by Ludwig, this often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the process of yielding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coming to surrender" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase that emphasizes the process of yielding rather than the immediate act, according to Ludwig. It's relatively uncommon but appears in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science and Wiki. While not incorrect, using "coming to surrender" when "surrendering" would be more appropriate can be a misuse of the phrase. The phrase can be used in a more analytical or descriptive writing where the process of surrender is being examined. Alternatives like "approaching surrender" or "preparing to yield" may better suit certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching surrender

This alternative uses a different verb tense while maintaining the core meaning of nearing the act of surrendering.

nearing capitulation

This uses a more formal synonym for 'surrender,' indicating a shift in register.

preparing to yield

This highlights the preparation aspect before the actual surrender.

on the verge of surrendering

Focuses on the imminence of the action.

about to give up

A more colloquial way of expressing imminent surrender.

tending towards surrender

Suggests a direction or inclination towards surrendering.

incline to surrender

This alternative emphasizes the inclination or willingness to surrender.

moving towards submission

Emphasizes the act of submitting rather than simply surrendering.

advancing to capitulate

Uses a more formal and directional phrasing.

drawing near to yielding

Emphasizes the gradual process of approaching surrender.

FAQs

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

You can use "coming to surrender" to describe a gradual process of yielding, as in, "After prolonged negotiations, the rebels were finally "coming to surrender"." It emphasizes the approach rather than the act itself.

What are some alternatives to "coming to surrender"?

Some alternatives include "approaching surrender", "nearing capitulation", or "preparing to yield". These options vary in formality and emphasis.

Is it more appropriate to say "coming to surrender" or "surrendering"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "surrendering" when referring to the immediate act of giving up. Use "coming to surrender" when you want to emphasize the process or lead-up to the act.

What does "coming to surrender" imply that "surrendering" does not?

"Coming to surrender" implies a process, journey, or gradual realization leading to the act of surrendering. "Surrendering" is a more direct and immediate action. The former highlights the approach; the latter, the result.