When it comes to something is a very useful phrase for focussing on a specific topic or area.
We use this phrase to introduce a more specific topic or area that we want to talk about. e.g. In general I’m quite a relaxed parent, but when it comes to my children’s safety I don’t take any chances.
Imagine I am explaining the ways in which I am similar to my parents. In some ways, I am similar to my mum. In other ways, I am similar to my dad. I can use ‘when it comes to’ to focus on specific areas, e.g. When it comes to my appearance, I take after my dad. When it comes to my personality, I take after my mum.
Have a go at these micro-dictation exercises to hear this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?
Accent: England (London)
80%
1x
Keyboard Shortcuts
Esc — Play/Pause (rewinds 1.5s)
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, .
0%
Keyboard Shortcuts
Esc — Play/Pause (rewinds 1.5s)
Ctrl/⌘ + ← — Skip back 1.5s
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good driver, but parking problems.
0%
Accent: Northern England
80%
1x
Keyboard Shortcuts
Esc — Play/Pause (rewinds 1.5s)
Ctrl/⌘ + ← — Skip back 1.5s
Ctrl/⌘ + → — Skip forward 1.5s
, Michael .
0%
Keyboard Shortcuts
Esc — Play/Pause (rewinds 1.5s)
Ctrl/⌘ + ← — Skip back 1.5s
Ctrl/⌘ + → — Skip forward 1.5s
investment advice, Michael what he's .
0%
About the sentence
…Michael really knows what he’s talking about…
If you say that someone knows what they’re talking about, then they have good knowledge or a good understanding of a topic.
This can be used negatively with the opposite meaning. e.g. Just ignore him – he has absolutely no idea what he’s talking about.
Accent: Ireland
80%
1x
Keyboard Shortcuts
Esc — Play/Pause (rewinds 1.5s)
Ctrl/⌘ + ← — Skip back 1.5s
Ctrl/⌘ + → — Skip forward 1.5s
, .
0%
Keyboard Shortcuts
Esc — Play/Pause (rewinds 1.5s)
Ctrl/⌘ + ← — Skip back 1.5s
Ctrl/⌘ + → — Skip forward 1.5s
your health, you shouldn't unnecessary .
0%
About the sentence
…you shouldn’t take any unnecessary risks…
Notice the important verb-noun collocation to take a risk. e.g. I think we need to hire a manager who is prepared to take occasional risks.
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