when they came vs when they come

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'When they came' is used to refer to a past event, while 'when they come' is used to talk about a future or habitual action. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the tense and timing you want to convey.

Last updated: March 20, 2024 • 1519 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a past event.

"when they came"

This phrase is used to talk about an event that happened in the past. It indicates that the action of 'coming' already took place.

Examples:

I remember when they came to visit us last summer.
When they came to the party, everyone was surprised.
We were already there when they came.
The situation changed when they came into the room.
I knew it was them when they came through the door.

Show examples from the web [+]

When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out. Friedrich Gustav Emil Martin Niemöller (14 January 1892 – 6 March 1984) was a Protestant pastor ...
“When they came for me, there was no one left to speak up.” Exploring Personal and Collective Responsibility in WWII. “In Germany they came first for the ...
When they came for the trade unionists, I said nothing; I was, of course, no trade unionist. When they came for me, there was no one left who could protest.
... not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me. ”.

Alternatives:

when they arrived
when they showed up
when they appeared
when they entered
when they arrived at the scene

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a future or habitual action.

"when they come"

This phrase is used to talk about an event that will happen in the future or as a habitual action. It indicates that the action of 'coming' is yet to occur.

Examples:

Let me know when they come to the office.
I always feel happy when they come to visit.
We can start the meeting when they come.
I'll be waiting for you when you come home.
It's always a good time when they come over.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's interesting when they come to the waterhole.
You'll meet my parents when they come to visit.
I won't be around when they come to get you.
Think about where to hide when they come for you instead.
I'll take care of everything when they come.
They're always welcome when they come.
They're meant to be trained when they come here.
Nevertheless, when they come, solar storms are significant and have potent effects.
Only when they come in to get paid.
So, when they come knocking at your door...
I did something they will kill me for when they come down.
The musicians, they smile when they come to work.
Only when they come without shepherds.
Cowboys like to party when they come to Vegas.
Maybe I should go get some stuff for when they come over.
I hope you manage more civility when they come to visit.
You can not be here when they come.
Remember to use different weapons in the game when they come.
People are socially accustomed to stop talking when they come to an unresolved edge.
Therefore when they come near to the Earth they are deflected from their original direction.

Alternatives:

when they arrive
when they show up
when they appear
when they enter
when they arrive at the scene

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when they came vs when they come

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