that can come

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that can come" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is possible or likely to happen in the future. Example: "There are many opportunities that can come from networking at this conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All that can come later.

The New York Times

We have bad actors that can come across the border.

The New Yorker

But it's a surprise that can come in handy.

The New York Times

And sometimes, that can come with certain advantages.

The New York Times

I know the beauty that can come from it.

The Guardian

There are always events that can come to the rescue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Imagine all the learning and changes that can come around in writing and media.

Harvard University

And I sometimes ask questions that can come off as a bit direct.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a kind of alienation, finally, that can come from being an atypical black person.

The New York Times - Books

Obviously, they are, but don't underestimate the harm that can come from grandstanding.

The New York Times

It's an entity that can come half alive, and enjoy feelings.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that can come", ensure the sentence clearly establishes what 'that' refers to. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple clauses with "that can come" repeatedly. This can lead to convoluted sentences that are difficult to understand. Instead, break down complex ideas into simpler, more direct statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that can come" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a potential consequence or possibility. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is used to describe something that is likely or possible to happen in the future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

23%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that can come" is a versatile phrase used to express possibilities and potential outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While "that can come" is common, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Consider alternatives like "which may occur" or "that might arise" for more formal settings. The phrase sees high usage in "News & Media" sources followed by "Academia" and "Wiki". The sources indicate a strong presence in authoritative publications such as "The New York Times", "The Guardian", and BBC, further validating its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which may occur

Emphasizes the possibility of something happening; more formal.

that is likely to happen

Directly states the probability of an event.

that might arise

Suggests a potential problem or opportunity; more formal.

which is expected

Suggests an anticipated outcome based on current conditions.

that could result

Focuses on the consequence or outcome of a situation.

that is apt to occur

Indicates a natural tendency or likelihood.

that may follow

Indicates a sequence of events or logical progression.

that will transpire

Suggests a mysterious or fateful occurrence; more formal.

which will ensue

Suggests something that will definitely happen as a result; more formal.

which is foreseeable

Highlights the predictability of an event based on existing knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that can come" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "which may occur", "that might arise", or "that could result". These alternatives, depending on the context, can add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Is it correct to use "that can come" in academic writing?

Yes, "that can come" is acceptable in academic writing, though it's crucial to ensure clarity and precision. Consider "which may occur" or "that might arise" if you want to increase formality.

What are some common situations where I might use "that can come"?

"That can come" is commonly used to discuss potential benefits, risks, or consequences. For instance, "There are many opportunities "that can come" from learning a new language" or "Be aware of the challenges "that can come" with starting your own business."

What is the difference between "that can come" and "that will come"?

"That can come" indicates a possibility, while "that will come" suggests a certainty. Use "that can come" when discussing potential outcomes and "that will come" when referring to something guaranteed to happen.