What are the definitions of “come to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come to is to regain consciousness or wake up after being unconscious, such as after an operation or fainting. It can also mean to reach a certain point or conclusion.
What are the different verb forms of “come to”?
| Root Verb | come to |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes to |
| Present Participle | coming to |
| Simple Past | came to |
| Past Participle | come to |
Example
When will he come to after the surgery?
Example
She comes to quickly after fainting.
Example
He is coming to after being unconscious for a few minutes.
Example
She came to an hour after the operation.
Example
He had come to by the time the doctor arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She came to an hour after the operation.
Example
He came to after being unconscious for a few minutes.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She came to an hour after the operation.
Example
He came to after being unconscious for a few minutes.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come to”?
Good things to know
Does “come to” have an informal or formal tone?
Come to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
