Differences between come by and come to
The main difference between come by and come to is that come by means to obtain or acquire something, while come to means to regain consciousness or to reach a conclusion.
Meanings and Definitions: come by vs come to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Come by
- 1Visit.
I'll COME BY after work and see if you need any help.
- 2Acquire.
How did you COME BY that Rolex?
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 by, come to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
come by
Example
I will come by your house later to drop off the package.
Example
She comes by the office every day to check her mail.
come to
Example
When will he come to after the surgery?
Example
She comes to quickly after fainting.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come by
pick up
To obtain or acquire something, usually by going somewhere to get it.
Example
I need to pick up some groceries on my way home from work.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come to
To become conscious again after being unconscious or asleep.
Example
After the accident, it took him a few minutes to regain consciousness and realize what had happened.
To become aware of something or to understand a situation or fact.
Example
It took her a while to realize that she had been talking to the wrong person all along.
conclude
To reach a decision or opinion after considering all the facts or options.
Example
After much discussion, we concluded that it was best to postpone the project until next month.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Differences in come by vs come to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come by or come to?
In daily conversation, people use come by more often than come to. This is because come by is used for more daily tasks and routines such as obtaining something or visiting someone. Come to is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about regaining consciousness or reaching a conclusion. So, while both phrases are used, come by is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come by and come to
Come by 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 by and come to
The tone of come by and come to can differ based on context. Come by often carries a neutral or positive tone when related to obtaining or visiting, while come to typically has a serious or urgent tone, especially when referring to regaining consciousness or reaching a conclusion.
