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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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it comes as a

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it comes as a" is correct and usable in written English.
When used in a sentence, it usually means "it is experienced as" or "it is received as". For example, "It comes as a surprise that the CEO resigned so suddenly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it comes as a humble student.

News & Media

The Economist

"It comes as a pleasant surprise".

News & Media

The New York Times

It comes as a relief.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"It comes as a shock for them".

News & Media

The New York Times

It comes as a surprise to her.

It comes as a shock to her fans, too.

News & Media

The New York Times

And it comes as a syrup, not crystals.

News & Media

The New York Times

"It comes as a shock to us," he said.

News & Media

The Guardian

Still, it comes as a jolt when Giardello is shot.

News & Media

The New York Times

"When the reality hits us, it comes as a shock.

It comes as a surprise because I love Picasso.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it comes as a" to introduce an unexpected or surprising development, reaction, or characteristic. Ensure the following noun accurately reflects the nature of the surprise or revelation.

Common error

Avoid using "it comes as a" when the subject isn't genuinely new or unexpected to the audience. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it comes as a" functions as an introductory expression, typically used to preface a noun that describes a reaction, state, or characteristic that is unexpected or noteworthy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it comes as a" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to introduce unexpected or surprising information. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to signal a noteworthy development or reaction. It's most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in academic and professional contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the following noun aligns with the element of surprise or unexpectedness you intend to convey. Overusing it may diminish its impact, so reserve it for genuinely surprising or significant revelations.

FAQs

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

Use "it comes as a" to introduce something unexpected or surprising. For example, "It comes as a surprise that he won the lottery", or "It comes as a shock when you see how much taxes you must pay".

What are some alternatives to "it comes as a"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "it arrives as a", "it appears as a", or "it turns out to be a", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it comes as a surprise to me"?

Yes, "it comes as a surprise to me" is a grammatically correct and common expression. It emphasizes the personal experience of surprise. You can also say "it comes as a shock to me".

What's the difference between "it comes as a surprise" and "it is surprising"?

"It comes as a surprise" emphasizes the experience or reception of something being surprising, while "it is surprising" simply states the quality of being surprising. The former is more focused on the impact on the individual.

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: