in comes

USAGE SUMMARY

"in comes" is not a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
Instead, the correct and usable form is "in comes [something]". This is used when something appears or arrives suddenly or unexpectedly. For example, "In comes the new teacher, Mrs. Johnson, and the classroom suddenly grew quiet."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then in comes "the Dalí".

The Guardian - Music

The door opens again and in comes AFFLECK.

The Guardian - Film

Suddenly, he said, "in comes Joe Barbara Jr".

The New York Times

Locked in comes and goes.

Huffington Post

Out goes Africa, in comes South America.

Huffington Post

Phone rings, door chimes, in comes Stephen Sondheim's Company!

Huffington Post

In comes the signal.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In comes a new House and Congress.

The New York Times

In comes the Fear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In comes Imran Nazir..

The Guardian - Sport

In comes another cross.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in comes" followed by a noun or noun phrase to describe the arrival of someone or something, especially in narrative writing to create a sense of immediacy. For example, "In comes the cavalry, just when we thought all hope was lost."

Common error

Avoid using "in comes" as a standalone phrase without specifying who or what is arriving. This often leads to grammatically incomplete sentences. Always follow "in comes" with a noun or noun phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in comes" functions as an inversion used to emphasize the arrival or appearance of someone or something. Ludwig points out that it is grammatically incomplete unless followed by a noun or noun phrase. It serves to create a sense of immediacy and can often be found in descriptive or narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in comes" is frequently used to introduce the arrival of someone or something, particularly in narrative or descriptive contexts. However, as Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically incomplete on its own and requires a following noun or noun phrase. While common in News & Media, it's less frequent in academic or scientific writing. For more formal situations, consider using alternatives like "enters" or "arrives". Remember to always complete the phrase with a subject to ensure grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrives

This is a simple verb indicating arrival. It's a direct replacement focusing solely on the action of arriving.

enters

This emphasizes the act of going into a place, suggesting a more formal or deliberate arrival.

appears

Focuses on the sudden or unexpected nature of the arrival or becoming visible.

shows up

An informal way to say someone arrives, often implying a casual or unplanned arrival.

turns up

Similar to "shows up", but can also suggest that the arrival was somewhat unexpected or surprising.

makes an entrance

Highlights the manner of arrival, suggesting it's done in a noticeable or dramatic way.

materializes

Suggests something appearing suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, often used figuratively.

is on the scene

Indicates that someone or something is present and ready to take action.

presents itself

More formal and often used when something appears as an opportunity or a problem.

comes into view

Focuses on the act of becoming visible, often after being hidden or far away.

FAQs

How can I use "in comes" in a sentence?

Use "in comes" to introduce the arrival of someone or something, typically in a narrative or descriptive context. For example, "Just as the music reached its crescendo, "in comes the dancer", bathed in spotlight."

What is a more formal alternative to "in comes"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "enters", "arrives", or "appears". These options are less colloquial and more suitable for professional or academic writing. For example, instead of "In comes the CEO", you could say "The CEO arrives".

Is it grammatically correct to say just "in comes"?

According to Ludwig, the phrase "in comes" by itself is grammatically incomplete. It needs to be followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating who or what is arriving. Omitting this makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "in comes" and "here comes"?

"In comes" typically describes someone entering a room or scene, while "here comes" can be used more broadly to announce someone's approach or arrival, whether they are entering a space or simply coming closer. "Here comes the sun" is a fitting example of the latter.