to come over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to come over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inviting someone to visit or approach a location, typically in a casual or informal context. Example: "Why don't you come over to my place this weekend for a movie night?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wants to come over; she agrees.

The New Yorker

You are welcome to come over".

The New Yorker

People want to come over".

The New York Times

"You used to come over with the other guys".

The New Yorker

"He's making his case to come over here".

The New York Times - Sports

Then she calls Tony to come over and help her.

The New York Times

"Tell him to come over and talk to Jumbo".

The New York Times - Sports

Leslie asked everyone to come over for a drink.

The New Yorker

"No reason for anybody to come over here".

The New York Times

I've been waiting for someone to come over, say hello.

The Washington Post

We asked her to come over for a family hug.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure clarity by specifying the location if it's not already understood from the context. For instance, "Come over to my place" is clearer than simply "Come over."

Common error

Avoid using "to come over" in formal writing or professional correspondence. Opt for more formal alternatives like "to visit" or "to attend" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to come over" primarily functions as an intransitive verb phrase, often used in colloquial speech. It invites someone to visit a specific location, as seen in Ludwig's examples, such as "He wants to come over; she agrees."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to come over" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used primarily to invite someone to a specific location. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage. While prevalent in informal contexts like news, media, and casual conversation, it's less suited for formal or professional communication. Consider alternatives such as "to visit" or "to attend" in more formal settings. Remember to specify the location for clarity and avoid using it in business writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to visit

Offers a more general and slightly more formal alternative, suitable in broader contexts.

to drop by

Implies a brief and casual visit, often without prior arrangement.

to swing by

Similar to "drop by" but suggests a quick visit while en route to somewhere else.

to come around

Can imply a visit, but also suggests a change in opinion or condition.

to stop over

Suggests a brief visit during a longer journey.

to pay a visit

A more formal way of saying "to visit".

to pop in

Indicates a very brief and informal visit.

to arrive

Focuses on the act of reaching a destination, rather than the social aspect of visiting.

to make an appearance

Suggests a formal or public visit.

to be a guest

Emphasizes the role of the visitor as someone being hosted.

FAQs

What does "to come over" mean?

The phrase "to come over" means to visit someone's home or another location. It's an informal way of inviting someone to visit.

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

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, you can use "to visit" or "to attend", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "to come over" in business writing?

No, it's generally not appropriate to use "to come over" in business writing. It's best to use more professional language such as "to visit" or "to meet".

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

You can use "to come over" like this: "Why don't you come over to my house tonight?" or "She asked him to come over for dinner".