know how it comes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "know how it comes" is not standard in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could be used when discussing the process or origin of something, but it would typically need additional context to be fully understood. Example: "I want to know how it comes to be that some people succeed while others struggle."

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I know how it comes out, you know".

The New York Times

We say, 'Here's what we're going to do and here's the time frame,' and they say, 'Let us know how it comes out.' " (Memo to the board: your shareholders lost $52 billion in equity during Mr. Wagoner's watch).

The New York Times

"I don't know how it comes across in the show, because I haven't actually seen it yet, but the poison that is used to kill Joffrey is one that I introduce earlier in the books and its symptoms are similar to choking.

Independent

I'll let you know how it comes out.

Los Angeles Times

And I don't know how it comes back.

Huffington Post

"When you set up the chessboard the same way and play the same match enough times … you know how it comes out.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I don't know how it came out.

The New York Times

I don't know how it came to me.

The New Yorker

Well, we who have had a chance to know how it came out and know that it did.

Yale University

The owner, Cliff Faulkner, says it was started in 1937, but he doesn't know how it came by the Alp.

The New York Times

I don't know how it came up, but I was like:"I'm fast".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "know how it comes", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity; specify what 'it' refers to, and clarify if you mean 'comes about' (originates) or 'comes out' (results).

Common error

Avoid using "know how it comes" without sufficient context. It can easily be misinterpreted. Always clarify whether you mean to understand the process ('how it originates') or the outcome ('how it results').

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know how it comes" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt to understand the process or outcome of a situation or event. Ludwig AI analysis suggests the phrase isn't always clear without context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "know how it comes" expresses a desire to understand the process or outcome of something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is not standard English and needs contextual support to avoid ambiguity. While grammatical acceptability is disputed, the phrase appears mostly in News & Media and Academic contexts. For clarity, consider using alternatives like "understand the process" or "know the result". Always ensure sufficient context when using "know how it comes" to prevent misinterpretation. Best practice dictates specifying whether you're interested in the origin ('comes about') or the result ('comes out').

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

know the result

Directly indicates awareness of the final outcome.

understand the process

Focuses on comprehending the steps or actions involved.

comprehend the outcome

Emphasizes grasping the result or consequence of something.

anticipate the conclusion

Highlights predicting or expecting the final result.

foresee the consequences

Focuses on seeing or knowing the effects beforehand.

be aware of the development

Stresses being informed about the progression or evolution.

grasp the mechanism

Emphasizes understanding the working or functioning of something.

perceive how it unfolds

Focuses on observing and understanding the step-by-step revelation or progression.

recognize the genesis

Highlights acknowledging and understanding the origin or beginning.

discern the manner of occurrence

Emphasizes perceiving and understanding the specific way something happens or takes place.

FAQs

What does "know how it comes" mean?

The phrase "know how it comes" can refer to understanding the process by which something originates or the result it produces. Its meaning depends heavily on context.

What can I say instead of "know how it comes"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "understand the process" (if referring to the steps involved) or "know the result" (if referring to the outcome).

Is "know how it comes" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "know how it comes" isn't the most standard phrasing. More common alternatives might be "know how it comes about" or "know how it turns out" for improved clarity.

How to use "know how it comes" in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence provides enough context. For example, "I want to know how it comes to be that some people succeed while others struggle" clarifies the intended meaning.