it came about

USAGE SUMMARY

'it came about' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in the context of something happening or coming into existence by chance or circumstances. For example: "The idea for the project came about after we discussed how to best address the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It came about by accident.

The Economist

It came about thus.

The Washington Post

It came about through chance.

The Guardian - Sport

However it came about, it came gradually.

The New Yorker

It came about by way of cooperative design by hundreds of programmers.

Linux and the Unix Philosophy

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

The New York Times

"It came about because we had no choice.

The Guardian - Business

It came about because he was pursuing something else.

The Guardian - Film

However it came about, Wilson thrived at the school.

The Guardian - Film

It came about, in part, because of a Jiffy bag.

The Guardian - Arts

"It came about really spontaneously and out of the blue.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it came about", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It came about unexpectedly", specify what came about, such as "The project came about unexpectedly".

Common error

Avoid using "it came about" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Ensure the subject is explicitly stated or easily understood from the surrounding context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it came about" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the occurrence or origination of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It serves to introduce how an event, situation, or idea began or developed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

19%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it came about" is a versatile phrase used to describe how something originated or happened. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and academic writing. When using "it came about", ensure clarity by specifying what 'it' refers to and consider using synonyms like "it happened" or "it arose" for nuanced meanings. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "it came about" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it happened

Direct synonym, focuses on the occurrence of an event.

it originated

Emphasizes the starting point or source of something.

it arose

Similar to 'originated' but often suggests a more gradual development.

it emerged

Suggests a gradual appearance or development, often from obscurity.

it materialized

Implies that something became real or concrete, often unexpectedly.

it developed

Highlights the process of growth or evolution.

it transpired

Formal way of saying 'it happened', often used in narrative contexts.

it resulted

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a cause.

it was created

Emphasizes the act of making or inventing something.

it was formed

Highlights the process of being shaped or structured.

FAQs

What does "it came about" mean?

"It came about" means something happened or started to exist, often by chance or as a result of certain circumstances. It's used to explain the origin or occurrence of an event, idea, or situation.

How can I use "it came about" in a sentence?

You can use "it came about" to describe how something originated. For example, "The partnership "it came about" after a chance meeting at a conference".

What are some alternatives to "it came about"?

Alternatives to "it came about" include "it happened", "it originated", "it arose", or "it emerged". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it came about" formal or informal?

"It came about" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it transpired" may be more appropriate for certain situations.