The phrase "comes like" is often misspelled as "come's like" due to confusion about the correct use of the apostrophe. In phonetic transcription, "comes" is pronounced /kʌmz/ with the "s" sound at the end. When combined with "like," it is important to remember that the "s" sound should not be duplicated. Therefore, the correct spelling is "comes like" with no apostrophe. This common mistake is a reminder that even simple phrases require attention to detail when it comes to proper spelling and grammar.
"Comes like" is a verb phrase commonly used in informal and colloquial speech, particularly in English-speaking cultures. It refers to the act of arriving, appearing, or happening suddenly, unexpectedly, or surprisingly, often with a strong impact or force.
This phrase is typically used when describing events, situations, or individuals that catch someone off guard or take them by surprise. It implies that the occurrence is sudden or unforeseen, potentially causing astonishment or disbelief. The phrase can also be employed when something arrives or happens in a rapid, intense, or forceful manner, emphasizing its power or effectiveness.
The expression "comes like" is idiomatic and is derived from the verb "to come" which primarily means to move toward or reach a particular place or situation. By adding the word "like," it emphasizes that the arrival or occurrence is comparable to something forceful, surprising, or unexpected.
For example, one could say "The storm came like a whirlwind, knocking down trees and causing chaos." In this instance, "comes like" emphasizes the abrupt and intense nature of the storm's arrival, comparing it to the strong and sudden force of a whirlwind. The phrase is flexible and can be used in various contexts to depict unexpected or forceful events, actions, or even changes in emotions or relationships.
The phrase "comes like" is not a standalone word with a distinct etymology. It is a combination of two individual words: "comes" and "like". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Comes: The word "comes" is derived from Latin, specifically from the Late Latin word "comes" meaning "companion" or "attendant". It originally referred to an official companion of a Roman emperor or high-ranking officials, and later expanded to include various other meanings such as a nobleman or a royal governor. The origin of "comes" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *kom ("near", "beside"). In modern English, the term "comes" is not widely used and has been replaced by other words or phrases.
2. Like: The word "like" comes from the Old English word "gelīc", which means "similar" or "resembling".