coming to terms with

USAGE SUMMARY

"coming to terms with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to accept or reconcile to something, usually after a period of difficulty. For example, "It took a long time, but I eventually came to terms with my difficult upbringing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm coming to terms with it gradually".

The Guardian

"It is a coming to terms with.

The New York Times - Books

Now He's Coming to Terms With Failure.

The New York Times

LeDoux, J.E. Coming to terms with fear.

Nature

We were slowly coming to terms with ourselves.

The New York Times

"A Monster Calls" is about coming to terms with grief.

The New York Times - Books

Even now, coming to terms with England's exit is difficult.

The Guardian - Sport

It's about her coming to terms with her problems.

The New York Times

"It's about my coming to terms with who I am.

The New York Times - Arts

Only now is she coming to terms with what happened.

The Guardian

We are still coming to terms with what has happened.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming to terms with" when you want to express the process of accepting a difficult or challenging situation after a period of emotional or intellectual struggle. This phrase emphasizes gradual acceptance and understanding over time.

Common error

Avoid using "coming to a term" instead of "coming to terms with". "Coming to a term" refers to reaching the end of something, while "coming to terms with" means accepting or learning to cope with a difficult situation or fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming to terms with" functions as a verbal phrase expressing the process of accepting, understanding, or adapting to something challenging. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts where individuals or groups are grappling with difficult realities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coming to terms with" is a versatile phrase used to describe the process of accepting or adapting to a challenging situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts, reflecting its relevance in discussing complex and often difficult realities. While there might be confusion with similar-sounding phrases like "coming to a term", understanding its nuanced meaning ensures correct usage. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize the gradual nature of acceptance and understanding over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coming to grips with

Similar in meaning, but suggests a more active and determined effort to understand.

making peace with

Focuses on achieving a state of emotional acceptance.

reconciling oneself to

Implies a process of making peace with something, often something unpleasant.

learning to live with

Highlights the long-term aspect of adapting to a situation.

accepting something

Focuses on the act of accepting a situation or fact, omitting the 'terms' aspect.

facing up to

Suggests confronting a difficult or unpleasant reality.

adjusting to

Highlights the adaptation process after something has changed.

grappling with

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in understanding or dealing with something.

getting used to

Indicates a gradual adaptation over time.

understanding

Emphasizes the cognitive aspect of grasping a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "coming to terms with" in a sentence?

You can use "coming to terms with" to describe the process of accepting something challenging. For example, "She is still "coming to terms with" the loss of her job".

What's a good alternative to "coming to terms with"?

Alternatives include "accepting something", "reconciling oneself to", or "adjusting to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "come to terms with" or "coming to terms with"?

Both are correct. "Come to terms with" is the infinitive form, while "coming to terms with" is the present participle and is used in continuous tenses. For example, "I need to come to terms with it" versus "I am "coming to terms with" it now".

What does "coming to terms with" imply?

"Coming to terms with" implies a process of gradual acceptance and understanding, often after an initial period of resistance or difficulty. It suggests a shift towards acceptance, not necessarily agreement or approval.