could come to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could come to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or potential outcome in various contexts. Example: "If we work together, we could come to a solution that benefits everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It could come to that.

The New York Times

He could come to no conclusion.

The New Yorker

We could come to half a dozen!

Independent

Wage increases could come to the rescue.

The Guardian - Business

Its agents could "come to your place later".

The New Yorker

"Transformation", they say, could come to mean mainly saving money.

The Economist

We all just wish it could come to an end".

Independent

The total bill could come to FFr100 billion.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

But governments could come to rely on such purchases to finance budget deficits.

The Economist

But if they cannot agree a way forward it could come to that.

BBC

Google's super-fast Internet service could come to Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could come to" to express a realistic possibility or potential outcome based on current circumstances. Avoid using it for highly improbable or fantastical scenarios.

Common error

While "could come to" is grammatically correct, overuse in formal writing can make the text sound less confident. Consider stronger alternatives like "will result in" or "is expected to" to convey greater certainty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could come to" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in expressing potential outcomes, such as "the total bill could come to FFr100 billion" or expressing a potential physical transit to a place, as in "She asked me if she "could come to" visit."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could come to" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express possibility, potential outcomes, or arrival at a certain condition. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and widely used in English. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in scientific and wiki contexts. When writing, use it to express realistic possibilities, and consider stronger alternatives for more assertive statements. Alternatives like "might arrive at" or "could lead to" provide nuanced options for expressing potential futures. Understanding these subtleties allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might arrive at

Focuses on the arrival at a specific decision or understanding.

may reach

Suggests a possibility of attaining a particular level or condition.

might materialize into

Emphasizes the potential for something to become real or concrete.

could evolve into

Highlights the gradual development or transformation over time.

may develop into

Indicates a possible progression or unfolding of events.

might turn into

Emphasizes a change or transformation into something different.

may end up at

Suggests a potential final destination or result.

could lead to

Emphasizes the potential to cause an specific result

might result in

Focuses on the consequence or outcome of a particular action or situation.

may visit

Suggests the possibility of someone visiting a specific location.

FAQs

How can I use "could come to" in a sentence?

You can use "could come to" to suggest a possible outcome or conclusion. For example, "If we continue down this path, it "could come to" a point of no return".

What are some alternatives to "could come to"?

Alternatives to "could come to" include "might arrive at", "may reach", or "could lead to". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "could come to" in formal writing?

Yes, "could come to" is generally appropriate for formal writing, but consider whether a stronger verb phrase might be more effective in conveying certainty or authority. For instance, replace it with "will result in".

What's the difference between "could come to" and "might come to"?

"Could come to" and "might come to" are very similar in meaning, both expressing possibility. However, "could" often suggests a slightly higher degree of possibility or likelihood than "might".