how it comes about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how it comes about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to inquire about the process or manner in which something occurs or is created. Example: "I am curious about how it comes about that some people are more successful than others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It doesn't matter how it comes about; people want their quiet," she said.

The New York Times

To them, admiring a picture and understanding how it comes about are two sides of the same coin.

The Economist

Can studying it deepen our understanding of what mental illness is, how it comes about, and how it differs from psychological health?

The Guardian

"That's how it comes about, more so than because of unlawful practice by the holiday parks.

BBC

Others had seen evidence that similar crystals performed the same trick, but the new paper shows in detail how it comes about, says Mogens Christensen, a materials scientist at Aarhus University in Denmark who studied a clathrate containing barium, gallium, and germanium.

Science Magazine

Feminists who accept the concept of truth are motivated, of course, not simply by the desire to discover the truth about the subordination of women (what forms it takes, how it comes about, where it has become part of the practice of epistemology).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Its founder, David Vermeulen, explains how it came about: "I was single and on two different dating sites.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It doesn't matter how it came about; it is the adobe gem we see today.

The New York Times - Travel

Uhuh?" And? "And that's how it came about".

The Guardian - Arts

I don't care how it came about; I'm glad to get it".

The New York Times - Sports

"So that's how it came about, through a champagne cocktail".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "how it happens" or "how it arises" to vary your sentence structure and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid overusing "how it comes about" in informal contexts. Simpler phrases like "how it happens" or "how it starts" might be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how it comes about" functions as a relative clause, often introducing an explanation or inquiry into the origin or process of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, further validating its role in constructing grammatically sound sentences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how it comes about" functions as a relative clause used to explore the origins or processes leading to an event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not overly formal, it is best suited for contexts where a detailed explanation is desired, such as news articles or scientific discussions. Alternatives like "how it happens" may be more appropriate for casual conversation. Remember to consider the context and intended level of formality when choosing between "how it comes about" and its simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how it happens

Focuses on the occurrence itself, simplifying the phrasing.

how it takes place

A straightforward alternative, focusing on the occurrence.

how it arises

Emphasizes the origin or start of something.

the way it unfolds

Highlights the progression and development of an event.

how it is brought about

Highlights the active role in causing the event.

how it transpires

Implies a more formal or surprising development.

the manner in which it develops

Focuses on the method of progression or growth.

the process by which it occurs

Adds formality and emphasizes a step-by-step development.

what leads to it

Focuses on the causal factors contributing to the result.

how it materializes

Emphasizes the tangible or concrete realization of something.

FAQs

How can I use "how it comes about" in a sentence?

You can use "how it comes about" to inquire about the process or manner in which something occurs. For instance, "I'm curious about how it comes about that some people are more successful than others."

What are some alternatives to "how it comes about"?

Alternatives include "how it happens", "how it arises", or "the way it unfolds", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "how it comes about" formal or informal?

"How it comes about" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Simpler options like "how it happens" might be preferable in casual settings.

What's the difference between "how it comes about" and "how it happened"?

"How it comes about" refers to the process leading to an event, while "how it happened" typically refers to the event itself after it has already occurred.