good things come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good things come" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express optimism, belief, or hope in a situation. For example, "Even though things seem difficult now, I know good things come to those who wait."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Good things come to librarians who wait.

The New Yorker

They say good things come in pairs.

The New York Times

Good things come out of it.

The New Yorker

All good things come to an end".

The New York Times - Sports

"Good things come out of the garbage".

The New York Times

But sometimes good things come from bad".

The Guardian - Sport

But all good things come to an end.

The New York Times

Still, all good things come to an end.

Independent

Holmes & Yang Good things come to those who… divorce?

The New York Times

NOT all good things come to an end.

The Economist

"All good things come to an end," says a spokesman.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good things come" as a flexible idiomatic anchor; it is most effective when followed by standard prepositional phrases like "to those who wait", "in small packages" or "to an end".

Common error

Avoid using the singular verb form "comes" when the subject is plural. While "a good thing comes" is correct, the phrase "good things come" requires the plural verb form to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good things come" functions as a subject-verb core. According to Ludwig, it serves as the grammatical foundation for several well-known English proverbs and idioms. It establishes a plural subject linked to an intransitive verb of arrival or manifestation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "good things come" is a highly versatile and correct English phrase. Ludwig AI highlights its role as a cornerstone for several major idioms, making it an essential tool for writers looking to convey hope, quality or finality. Whether you are referencing the value of patience ("to those who wait") or the inevitability of change ("to an end"), this phrase maintains a Neutral register that is appropriate for diverse audiences. Based on the extensive data from Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, reflecting its status as a staple of modern idiomatic English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positive outcomes arise

Uses more formal vocabulary suitable for analytical or academic writing

beneficial results occur

Shifts the focus to measurable consequences rather than general 'things'

favorable events transpire

Employs a more sophisticated verb to describe the unfolding of events

success follows

Specifies 'success' as the primary outcome rather than generic 'good things'

blessings follow

Adds a spiritual or more emotional connotation to the arrival of good fortune

rewards await

Implies that the positive outcome is already present but waiting to be claimed

greatness ensues

Suggests a high level of quality or impact following an action

merit is rewarded

Focuses on the ethical link between effort and the positive result

prosperity arrives

Specifically refers to financial or broad well-being

goodness results

Converts the outcome into a noun-based result of a prior cause

FAQs

How to use "good things come" in a sentence?

You can use it to start an idiomatic expression, such as "I firmly believe that "good things come" to those who remain patient."

What can I say instead of "good things come"?

Depending on your context, you might use alternatives like "<a href="/s/positive+results+follow" target="_blank" rel="alternative">positive results follow", "<a href="/s/rewards+await" target="_blank" rel="alternative">rewards await" or "<a href="/s/benefits+arise" target="_blank" rel="alternative">benefits arise".

Is it "good things come" or "good things comes"?

The correct form is "good things come" because the subject "things" is plural, requiring the base form of the verb.

What is the difference between "good things come" and "good things happen"?

While similar, "good things come" often implies a sense of destiny or a result of waiting/packaging, whereas "<a href="/s/good+things+happen" target="_blank" rel="alternative">good things happen" is more general and can refer to random positive events.