TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

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 • 1351 views

when they came

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

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.
  • 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

when they come

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

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.
  • 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

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!