In 15 Seconds
- Means changing your mind or visiting.
- Used for opinions softening or people visiting.
- Generally informal to neutral in tone.
- Context is crucial to understand the meaning.
Meaning
When someone finally changes their mind or accepts an idea they didn't like at first. It's that 'aha' moment when they stop resisting and agree with you.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about plans
Hey! Are you still planning to `come around` later tonight?
Hey! Are you still planning to visit later tonight?
Discussing a work project
I wasn't convinced at first, but I've `come around` to your idea.
I wasn't convinced at first, but I have changed my mind to your idea.
Inviting family over
My parents are `coming around` for Sunday lunch.
My parents are visiting for Sunday lunch.
Cultural Background
The phrase `come around` likely evolved from the literal act of physically moving around to a location or viewpoint. Its dual meaning reflects a shift in social interaction: from simply arriving at a place to the more nuanced idea of changing one's internal perspective. The development of more casual social interactions and communication styles in English-speaking cultures likely popularized its use for both visiting and changing one's mind, making it a versatile and common idiom.
Two Meanings, One Phrase!
Remember `come around` has two main jobs: changing your mind (like accepting an idea) OR visiting someone. Context is your best friend here!
Mind the 'To'!
When talking about changing an opinion, you often need 'to' after `come around`. Saying 'He came around the idea' is usually wrong; 'He came around **to** the idea' is correct.
In 15 Seconds
- Means changing your mind or visiting.
- Used for opinions softening or people visiting.
- Generally informal to neutral in tone.
- Context is crucial to understand the meaning.
What It Means
### What It Means
Come around has two cool meanings. First, it's about changing your mind. Think of someone stubborn finally agreeing with you. They've come around to your way of thinking! It’s like a lightbulb finally switching on. The second meaning is simpler: to visit someone. "Can you come around later?" means "Can you visit me?" It’s a friendly, casual invitation. It feels warm and welcoming.
### How To Use It
Use come around when someone’s opinion shifts. "Did Sarah come around on the movie idea?" Or when you want someone to visit. "My parents are coming around for dinner." It’s super flexible. You can use it for people or even for things. Like a project that finally starts working. It’s a very natural, spoken phrase. Don't overthink it; just use it when it feels right!
### Real-Life Examples
- Texting a friend: "Hey, are you gonna
come aroundtonight? We're ordering pizza." - At a meeting: "I wasn't sure about the proposal at first, but I've
come aroundto your point of view." - Planning a visit: "We're
coming aroundyour place on Saturday afternoon. Hope that works!" - Discussing a debate: "He was totally against the new policy, but he finally
came aroundafter hearing everyone's concerns." - Social media comment: "Took you long enough to
come aroundto my opinion! 😉"
### When To Use It
Use come around when someone softens their stance. They were against something, now they're for it. Or when they were hesitant to visit, but now they are. It works for personal opinions and professional discussions. It's great for informal chats with friends and family. It’s also fine in many workplace settings. Especially when discussing team consensus. It’s a go-to phrase for friendly visits. Just make sure the person is actually coming!
### When NOT To Use It
Avoid come around if someone is just agreeing politely. They might just be saying "yes" to be nice. Come around implies a real change of heart. Don't use it for formal announcements. A CEO saying "The company will come around to this strategy" sounds odd. Stick to more formal terms like adopt or implement. Also, if someone is already there, they didn't come around; they arrived. It's for the journey, not the destination itself. Don't use it for abstract concepts moving.
### Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mix up the two meanings. They might say, "He came around the office" meaning he changed his mind *in* the office. That's confusing! Or they might use it for a simple arrival. "The delivery came around late." It sounds like the delivery person changed their mind about coming. It’s better to say "arrived" or "was delivered." Another mistake is using it too formally. It's not for official declarations.
### Similar Expressions
- Change one's mind: Very direct synonym for the opinion-changing meaning. "She changed her mind about the job."
- Agree with: A more general term. "He agreed with the plan."
- Concede: More formal, implies giving in. "He conceded the point."
- Visit: Direct synonym for the 'come to someone's place' meaning. "Can you visit me tomorrow?"
- Stop by: Similar to visit, often implies a shorter stay. "Can you stop by after work?"
- Drop in: Also implies an informal, possibly unannounced visit. "Feel free to drop in anytime."
### Common Variations
Come around to: Often followed by the idea or opinion. "She finallycame around tomy way of thinking."Come around and see: Emphasizes the act of visiting. "Why don't youcome around and seethe new place?"Come around for: Specifies the reason for the visit. "I'llcome around forthe meeting."Come around to(location): Less common, but means to reach a place. "The roadcomes aroundthe mountain."
### Memory Trick
Imagine a stubborn donkey (stubborn opinion!) who finally decides to come walking around the corner to join the party (changed its mind). Or, picture a friend coming around your house with a pizza, ready to hang out (visiting). The 'around' suggests movement, either towards agreement or towards your door!
### Quick FAQ
Q: Is come around formal or informal?
A: It's generally informal to neutral. Great for friends, okay for many work chats. Avoid super formal speeches.
Q: Does come around always mean visiting?
A: No, it has two main meanings! It can mean changing your opinion OR visiting someone. Context is key!
Q: Can a group come around?
A: Yes! A team or a family can come around to an idea. Or a group can come around to your house. It works for plural subjects too.
Usage Notes
This phrase is quite versatile but leans informal. When used for visiting, `come over` is often more natural, especially in American English. For changing opinions, ensure you use the structure `come around to [idea/opinion]` for clarity. Avoid using it in highly formal written contexts.
Two Meanings, One Phrase!
Remember `come around` has two main jobs: changing your mind (like accepting an idea) OR visiting someone. Context is your best friend here!
Mind the 'To'!
When talking about changing an opinion, you often need 'to' after `come around`. Saying 'He came around the idea' is usually wrong; 'He came around **to** the idea' is correct.
Visit vs. Agree?
If someone says 'Can you come around?', they probably mean 'Can you visit?' If they say 'Did they come around?', they likely mean 'Did they change their mind?' Listen carefully!
Friendly Invitation Vibe
Using `come around` for visiting often carries a warm, friendly vibe. It suggests a casual, comfortable visit rather than a formal appointment. Think relaxed hangouts!
Examples
12Hey! Are you still planning to `come around` later tonight?
Hey! Are you still planning to visit later tonight?
Here, `come around` means to visit the speaker's place.
I wasn't convinced at first, but I've `come around` to your idea.
I wasn't convinced at first, but I have changed my mind to your idea.
This shows the meaning of changing one's opinion after initial resistance.
My parents are `coming around` for Sunday lunch.
My parents are visiting for Sunday lunch.
A common way to invite people to your home.
Finally! Took you long enough to `come around` to the right side. 😉 #TeamUs
Finally! Took you long enough to change your mind to the right side. 😉 #TeamUs
Humorous use, implying the other person was stubborn but eventually agreed.
We hope the hiring committee will `come around` to supporting your application.
We hope the hiring committee will eventually agree with supporting your application.
Used in a slightly more formal context, suggesting eventual approval.
I'm so glad you finally `came around` on this issue; I was worried we'd never agree.
I'm so glad you finally changed your mind on this issue; I was worried we'd never agree.
Conveys emotional relief that someone changed their opinion.
OMG, my parents finally `came around` to letting me get a PS5! 🎉
OMG, my parents finally agreed to letting me get a PS5! 🎉
Shows a modern, excited usage for getting permission/agreement.
✗ The package `came around` yesterday. → ✓ The package `arrived` yesterday.
✗ The package came around yesterday. → ✓ The package arrived yesterday.
`Come around` implies a change of mind or a visit, not a simple delivery.
✗ Can you `come around` my house tonight? → ✓ Can you `come over` to my house tonight?
✗ Can you come around my house tonight? → ✓ Can you come over to my house tonight?
`Come over` is more common and natural for visiting someone's home.
Let me know if you can `come around` this weekend. We can chill.
Let me know if you can visit this weekend. We can relax.
Casual invitation to hang out at the speaker's place.
The team is starting to `come around` to the new strategy.
The team is starting to accept the new strategy.
Indicates growing acceptance and agreement within a group.
He was very resistant, but eventually `came around` during the final talks.
He was very resistant, but eventually changed his mind during the final talks.
Shows a successful negotiation where someone shifted their position.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The phrase `coming around` is used here to mean visiting someone's home.
Choose the sentence that uses 'come around' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase 'come around' correctly?
Option B correctly uses `come around to` to indicate a change of opinion. Option A sounds like a simple arrival, not a visit. Option C is awkward; 'arrive' or 'come' is better. Option D doesn't make sense.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While `come around` can mean visit, `come over` is more natural and common when inviting someone to your home.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Here, `come around` means to change one's opinion or start to agree with something.
Choose the sentence that uses 'come around' correctly in context.
Which sentence best captures the nuance of 'come around'?
Option B correctly uses `come around to` to express the difficulty of someone changing their opinion or admitting fault. Options A and C are awkward uses for arrival/movement. Option D is grammatically incorrect.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
When referring to changing one's opinion or accepting an idea, `come around` is typically used with the preposition 'to' (`come around to something`).
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
The phrase `come around` is used here to mean 'visit my place'.
Translate this sentence into English.
`¿Vendrás a casa esta noche?` translates to `Will you come around tonight?`, using `come around` to mean 'visit'.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The phrase 'come around' needs the preposition 'to' when referring to changing one's opinion or decision.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
This sentence implies a change of opinion, making `came around to` the correct idiomatic choice.
Choose the sentence that uses 'come around' correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase 'come around' correctly?
Option B correctly uses `coming around` to mean visiting. Option A is literal movement. Option C is awkward phrasing for finishing work. Option D is an incorrect usage for problem-solving.
Translate this sentence into English.
The French sentence 'Il a finalement changé d'avis sur le projet' means 'He eventually came around on the project', capturing the idea of changing one's opinion.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'Come Around'
Casual chats, texting friends about visits.
Yo, come around later?
Inviting friends over, casual discussions.
Are you coming around for dinner?
Workplace discussions about opinions, general invitations.
I think he'll come around to our plan.
Rarely used; prefer 'adopt', 'agree', 'visit'.
The board may come around to the proposal.
Where You'll Hear 'Come Around'
Inviting a friend over
Can you come around tonight?
Discussing opinions
He finally came around to my view.
Family gatherings
Grandma's coming around for tea.
Negotiations/Debates
The team came around after the presentation.
Getting permission
My parents came around about the trip.
Casual meetups
Let me know if you can come around.
'Come Around' vs. Similar Phrases
Scenarios for 'Come Around'
Changing Minds
- • Accepting a proposal
- • Admitting fault
- • Softening an opinion
- • Agreeing to a plan
Visiting
- • Casual invitations
- • Family visits
- • Friendly meetups
- • Informal gatherings
Context
- • Personal life
- • Workplace (neutral)
- • Social media
- • Informal communication
Practice Bank
12 exercisesMy neighbors are ______ for dinner tonight.
The phrase `coming around` is used here to mean visiting someone's home.
Which sentence uses the phrase 'come around' correctly?
Option B correctly uses `come around to` to indicate a change of opinion. Option A sounds like a simple arrival, not a visit. Option C is awkward; 'arrive' or 'come' is better. Option D doesn't make sense.
Find and fix the mistake:
He said he would come around my house tomorrow morning.
While `come around` can mean visit, `come over` is more natural and common when inviting someone to your home.
I wasn't sure about the plan, but I think I'm starting to ______.
Here, `come around` means to change one's opinion or start to agree with something.
Which sentence best captures the nuance of 'come around'?
Option B correctly uses `come around to` to express the difficulty of someone changing their opinion or admitting fault. Options A and C are awkward uses for arrival/movement. Option D is grammatically incorrect.
Find and fix the mistake:
After much discussion, the committee finally came around the proposal.
When referring to changing one's opinion or accepting an idea, `come around` is typically used with the preposition 'to' (`come around to something`).
Will you ______ my place this weekend?
The phrase `come around` is used here to mean 'visit my place'.
¿Vendrás a casa esta noche?
Hints: Think about inviting someone over., Use the phrase for visiting.
`¿Vendrás a casa esta noche?` translates to `Will you come around tonight?`, using `come around` to mean 'visit'.
Find and fix the mistake:
He finally came around his decision to leave.
The phrase 'come around' needs the preposition 'to' when referring to changing one's opinion or decision.
It took some convincing, but she eventually ______ the idea of a vacation.
This sentence implies a change of opinion, making `came around to` the correct idiomatic choice.
Which sentence uses the phrase 'come around' correctly?
Option B correctly uses `coming around` to mean visiting. Option A is literal movement. Option C is awkward phrasing for finishing work. Option D is an incorrect usage for problem-solving.
Il a finalement changé d'avis sur le projet.
Hints: Think about changing one's mind., Use the phrase 'come around'.
The French sentence 'Il a finalement changé d'avis sur le projet' means 'He eventually came around on the project', capturing the idea of changing one's opinion.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsIt has two main meanings. First, it means to change your opinion or start to agree with something, especially after initially disagreeing. Second, it means to visit someone, usually at their home. Context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.
It's generally considered informal to neutral. You'd use it naturally when chatting with friends, family, or colleagues in a relaxed setting. It's less common in very formal speeches or writing, where alternatives like 'adopt' or 'visit' might be preferred.
Use come around when there's a sense of initial resistance or a process of changing someone's mind. If someone simply agrees without any prior opposition, agree is more direct. Come around implies a shift in perspective.
Both can mean 'visit'. However, come over is generally more common and natural when inviting someone specifically to your home ('Can you come over to my place?'). Come around can also mean visit, but it's often used more broadly and can also mean change your mind.
Not typically for objects themselves arriving. You might hear someone say a project 'came around' to success, implying it eventually worked out after difficulties, but it's more common for people changing their minds or visiting.
This specific form, come around to, almost always refers to changing one's opinion or accepting an idea. For example, 'He finally came around to my point of view.' It emphasizes the adoption of a specific perspective.
Pay attention to the surrounding words and the situation. If someone asks 'Can you...?', it's likely about visiting. If the sentence discusses opinions, plans, or decisions, it's probably about changing one's mind.
Yes, you can say they 'changed their mind', 'had a change of heart', 'saw the light', or 'came to agree'. Come around often implies it took some persuasion or time.
Absolutely! A group, like a team or a family, can come around to an idea. For example, 'The committee eventually came around to approving the budget.' It signifies collective agreement after discussion.
A frequent error is forgetting the preposition 'to' when referring to opinions. Saying 'He came around the plan' is incorrect; it should be 'He came around **to** the plan.' Also, confusing it with simple arrival is common.
It's common in both British and American English. While come over might be slightly more frequent for visiting homes in American English, come around is widely understood and used in both regions for both meanings.
Yes, that's another meaning, though less common in everyday conversation compared to visiting or changing one's mind. For example, 'He was knocked out but came around after a few minutes.' This usage implies regaining consciousness.
Using come around to + [viewpoint] suggests they actively adopted that perspective, often moving from a different or opposing one. It implies a conscious shift, possibly influenced by arguments or evidence presented.
Someone might sarcastically say, 'Oh, *now* you've finally come around,' implying you were stubborn or slow to agree, making the agreement feel less genuine. The tone of voice is crucial here.
In the UK, 'come around' is very common for visiting someone's house. In the US, 'come over' is often preferred for home visits, though 'come around' is still understood and used.
Concede is more formal and often implies giving up a point in an argument or admitting something reluctantly. Come around is more general and can be neutral or even positive, suggesting genuine agreement or a friendly visit.
Yes, it can mean to recover consciousness or health. 'After the surgery, she took a few days to come around.' This usage implies returning to a normal state after an illness or procedure.
Budge means to move slightly or change a position, often used negatively ('He wouldn't budge'). Come around implies a more significant shift, a full change of mind or agreement, often after persuasion.
Related Phrases
come over
related topicVisit someone's home.
Both 'come around' and 'come over' can mean to visit someone, but 'come over' is often more specific to visiting a home.
change one's mind
synonymAlter a decision or opinion.
This is a direct synonym for the 'change opinion' meaning of 'come around', often used interchangeably.
agree with
related topicShare the same opinion or view.
'Come around' implies a *process* of agreeing, whereas 'agree with' simply states the current shared opinion.
stop by
related topicVisit briefly.
Like 'come around' (when meaning visit), 'stop by' refers to visiting, but usually implies a shorter, perhaps less planned, stay.
concede
related topicAdmit reluctantly or yield.
While 'come around' can mean accepting something, 'concede' specifically implies admitting defeat or yielding under pressure, often in a more formal or adversarial context.
see eye to eye
related topicAgree fully with someone.
This phrase describes the state of agreement, whereas 'come around' describes the process of reaching that agreement after disagreement.
