Come vs. Come About
What's the Difference?
Come and come about are both verbs that indicate movement or change in position. However, "come" is a more general term that simply means to move or arrive at a certain location, while "come about" implies a more deliberate or intentional change in direction or course. For example, someone may come to a party without much thought, but if they come about a decision, it suggests that they have actively considered and made a change in their thinking. Overall, "come about" carries a sense of purpose or intention that "come" does not necessarily convey.
Comparison
| Attribute | Come | Come About |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | to move or travel towards a destination | to happen or occur |
| Usage | used to indicate movement towards a place or person | used to describe the occurrence of events or situations |
| Example | He came to the party last night. | The decision to cancel the event came about unexpectedly. |
Further Detail
Definition
Come and come about are two commonly used phrasal verbs in the English language. The verb "come" typically means to move or travel towards a destination, while "come about" means to happen or occur. Both phrases involve movement or change, but they are used in slightly different contexts.
Usage
When using the verb "come," you are usually referring to physical movement from one place to another. For example, "I will come to your house for dinner." On the other hand, "come about" is used to describe how something happened or the way in which an event unfolded. For instance, "The decision to cancel the event came about due to bad weather."
Connotation
The phrase "come about" often implies a sense of unexpectedness or unpredictability. It suggests that something happened in a way that was not planned or anticipated. On the other hand, the verb "come" is more straightforward and direct, simply indicating movement towards a specific location or goal.
Examples
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "come" and "come about":
- "I will come to the party tonight." (Physical movement)
- "The idea for the new product came about during a brainstorming session." (Unexpected occurrence)
- "She came to the realization that she needed to make a change in her life." (Physical movement towards understanding)
- "The decision to move the meeting to a different location came about due to scheduling conflicts." (Unplanned change)
Frequency
The verb "come" is used much more frequently in everyday language compared to "come about." This is because "come" is a basic verb that is essential for describing movement and direction. On the other hand, "come about" is used less often and is typically reserved for situations where you need to explain how something happened or why a certain event occurred.
Context
When deciding whether to use "come" or "come about," it is important to consider the context in which you are speaking or writing. If you are talking about physical movement or direction, then "come" is the appropriate choice. However, if you are discussing the cause or reason behind an event, then "come about" would be more suitable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both "come" and "come about" involve movement or change, they are used in different contexts and convey slightly different meanings. "Come" is more straightforward and direct, indicating physical movement towards a destination, while "come about" implies an unexpected or unplanned occurrence. Understanding the nuances of these two phrasal verbs can help you communicate more effectively in various situations.
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