Differences between come before and come to
Come before means to precede or come earlier in time or order, while come to means to regain consciousness or to reach a conclusion or decision.
Meanings and Definitions: come before vs come to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Come before
- 1Appear in court charged with a crime or offence.
He CAME BEFORE the court on charges of speeding.
Come to
- 1Become conscious, wake up from anaesthetic.
She CAME TO an hour after the operation.
- 2Result in.
The two men started arguing but they soon CAME TO blows and started fighting in earnest.
Usage Examples: come before, come to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
come before
Example
He will come before the judge next week.
Example
She comes before the court tomorrow.
come to
Example
When will he come to after the surgery?
Example
She comes to quickly after fainting.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come before
To come before something else in time, order, or rank.
Example
The Renaissance preceded the Enlightenment era in Europe.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come to
To become conscious again after being unconscious due to injury, illness, or anesthesia.
Example
After the surgery, it took her a few hours to regain consciousness.
To become aware of something or understand a situation or fact.
Example
It took him a while to realize that he had lost his wallet.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “before”
Phrasal Verbs with “to”
Differences in come before vs come to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come before or come to?
In daily conversation, people use come to more often than come before. This is because come to is used in various contexts, such as waking up from sleep, making a decision, or understanding something. Come before is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about the order of events or time. So, while both phrases are used, come to is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come before and come to
Come before and come to are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of come before and come to
The tone of come before and come to can differ based on context. Come before often carries a factual or historical tone when related to events or timelines, while come to typically has a reflective or decisive tone, especially when referring to making a decision or understanding something.
