they come over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they come over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone visiting or arriving at a location, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "Whenever they come over, we always have a great time catching up and sharing stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They come over by horseback".

The New York Times

In a society given to flashiness, they come over as relatively modest.

The Economist

They come over from the same village on tourist visas and take it in turns".

The Economist

And this is why, when scientists complain about them, they come over as being vaguely incoherent.

The Economist

"They come over on the trip expecting the best," Mr. Tear said.

The New York Times

"My grandchildren, when they come over, they adjust it for me".

The New York Times

And it's the one thing everyone wants when they come over".

The New York Times

Now they've trained people to ignore all other history – they come over with this homogenised crap.

The Guardian - Music

As they write, they come over and play the songs for me.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I know they come over with the right type of pride.

The New York Times

We have friends from Brooklyn, and they come over and stay every year.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they come over" to describe informal visits or gatherings, especially at someone's home. It's appropriate for casual conversation and writing.

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies who "they" refers to. If the reference is unclear, specify the group or individuals to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they come over" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples show it describing the act of visiting, arriving, or relocating.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they come over" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a group of people visiting or arriving at a particular location. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's widely used in news and media, indicating its general acceptability. While more formal alternatives exist, "they come over" is perfectly suitable for everyday conversation and writing. Remember to ensure clarity regarding who "they" refers to and consider context when choosing between "they come over" and similar phrases like "they visit" or "they arrive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they visit

Emphasizes the act of paying a social call, making a formal or informal visit.

they drop by

Highlights a casual and often impromptu visit.

they arrive

Focuses on the act of reaching a destination or location.

they stop by

Similar to "drop by", but can also imply a brief visit for a specific purpose.

they pop in

Suggests a quick and informal visit.

they swing by

Implies a casual and effortless visit, often en route to somewhere else.

they show up

Highlights the act of appearing or arriving, sometimes unexpectedly.

they turn up

Similar to "show up", but can also suggest a more unexpected or unplanned arrival.

they make an appearance

Emphasizes a formal or deliberate act of showing up.

they roll in

Suggests a casual and sometimes nonchalant arrival.

FAQs

How can I use "they come over" in a sentence?

You can use "they come over" to describe someone visiting or arriving at a location, especially someone's house. For example: "When they come over, we usually watch a movie".

What's a more formal way to say "they come over"?

More formal alternatives include "they visit", "they arrive", or "they attend", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "they come over" and "they come here"?

"They come over" usually implies visiting someone's home or a specific place informally, whereas "they come here" is a more general statement about arrival at the current location.

Is "they come over" appropriate for professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "they come over" is generally more suited for informal or conversational contexts. In professional writing, consider using more formal alternatives like "they visit" or "they arrive".