Meaning & use
when it comes to
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Used to introduce the particular subject you are about to talk about or make a point on.
Grammar: Followed by a noun or -ing form: when it comes to money, when it comes to choosing a gift.
Patterns
- when it comes to something
- when it comes to doing something
When it comes to cooking, my sister is far more talented than I am.
He is very careful when it comes to spending money.
When it comes to choosing a laptop, battery life matters most to me.
Common combinations
- when it comes to money
- When it comes to money, she never takes risks.
- when it comes to food
- When it comes to food, he is very fussy.
- when it comes to choosing
- When it comes to choosing a school, visit them in person.
- when it comes to safety
- When it comes to safety, nobody should cut corners.
- when it comes to decisions
- When it comes to decisions like this, ask your family.
Synonyms and how they differ
- as for
- As for is shorter and often changes the topic, while when it comes to sets up a comparison or a quality in that area.
- regarding
- Regarding is more formal and neutral, whereas when it comes to sounds conversational and often hints at a personal view.
- in terms of
- In terms of focuses on one aspect for measurement, while when it comes to introduces a topic more loosely.
- as far as ... is concerned
- This structure is longer and wraps around the topic, but gives a very similar sense.
Word family
Commonly confused: when it comes to or when it comes?
when it comes to vs when it comes
Without 'to', the phrase is just a clause about arrival, as in 'when it comes, call me'; it cannot introduce a topic.
Practice
When it comes ____ dessert, my brother always asks for chocolate.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'when it comes to'. 'For' seems plausible but is not used in this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “when it comes to”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.