it comes about

USAGE SUMMARY

"it comes about" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the emergence of a situation or event, often unexpectedly. For example: "We were surprised when it came about that he had won the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It comes about because the Federal Reserve System, in its so far failed effort to stimulate the economy, has fixed the short-term interest rate at 0%.

Forbes

How does it comes about?

Harvard University

But how soon it comes about is another question.

The New York Times - Sports

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

The New York Times

Rather, it comes about because the new law removes a tax break codified in 2003.

The New York Times

And it comes about by a simple difference between them in structure.

Cornell University

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

The Economist

It comes about merely by treating the words statistically, like counting them out of the bag.

MIT Technology Review

It comes about by having all the right elements, and that is all there".

The Guardian - Sport

Schäublovici, if it comes about, will scarcely be more loved than Merkozy.Yet for all the squabbling and the farce, there is some progress.

The Economist

Do you have a hard time wrapping your head around what social impact — one's contribution to social progress — is, how it comes about, and how to quantify it?

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it comes about" to introduce an explanation of how a situation or event developed, especially when the process wasn't immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "it comes about" when a more direct phrase like "it happens" or "it occurs" would suffice. The longer phrase is best when you intend to elaborate on the process or circumstances leading to the event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it comes about" functions as a connector and introductory phrase, often preceding an explanation or description of how a particular situation or event arises. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it comes about" is a versatile phrase used to introduce explanations of how events or situations unfold. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in diverse sources, particularly news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "it arises" or "it happens" exist, "it comes about" is particularly useful when providing detailed context or clarifying the underlying process. Avoid using it when simpler alternatives suffice; reserve it for situations where elaboration is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it arises

Focuses on the origin or beginning of something, similar to "it comes about" but more direct.

it results

Highlights the consequence or outcome of a preceding action or situation.

it happens

A simple and general way to indicate that something occurs, less specific than "it comes about".

it develops

Highlights the progressive growth or evolution of something.

it emerges

Focuses on the gradual appearance or development of something.

it transpires

Implies a gradual unfolding of events, more formal than "it comes about".

it originates

Emphasizes the source or starting point of something.

it materializes

Suggests something becoming real or concrete, fitting when discussing plans or ideas.

it ensues

Suggests that something follows as a direct consequence.

it unfolds

Emphasizes a process of revelation or development over time.

FAQs

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

Use "it comes about" to explain how a situation arises, often unexpectedly or as a result of a specific set of circumstances. For instance, "The problem "it comes about" because of a lack of communication."

What are some alternatives to "it comes about"?

You can use alternatives such as "it arises", "it happens", or "it develops" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

"It comes about" often implies a process or explanation of how something happened, whereas "it occurs" is a more general statement that something takes place without necessarily detailing the cause.

Is "it comes about" formal or informal?

"It comes about" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives may be preferred in very casual settings.