ENGLISH
REFERENCE

when it comes to sth

fixed phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. you use this to introduce a specific topic or to focus on one part of a situation.

fixed phr.. a fixed multi-word prepositional construction used to introduce a specific subject or to narrow the focus of a discussion to a particular area of expertise or concern.


SIMPLE

When it comes to cooking, he is a real expert.

CONTEXTUAL

I am usually very organized, but when it comes to my finances, I am quite messy.

COMPLEX

The company is highly innovative in its marketing strategies, yet when it comes to employee retention, it lags behind its competitors.

Usage

the 'to' is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

Teaching tip

highlight that 'to' here is not part of an infinitive; students often mistakenly use the base form of the verb instead of the gerund.

Pitfall

When it comes to cook, he is great.When it comes to cooking, he is great.the phrase requires a noun or a gerund because 'to' functions as a preposition.

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