In this article, we’ll explore the English phrase ‘comes in handy’ and address the query regarding the use of ‘it’ in the sentence. Specifically, we will clarify whether the phrase ‘it comes in handy sometimes’ is correct and why ‘it’ is sometimes omitted in certain contexts.
1. What Does ‘Comes in Handy’ Mean?
The phrase ‘comes in handy’ means something is useful or convenient at a particular moment or in certain situations. It can refer to something that is not essential all the time but proves valuable when needed. For example, ‘This tool comes in handy when fixing cars.’
In the context of the sentence ‘comes in handy sometimes,’ the meaning remains the same: the thing being referred to is not necessary all the time, but it is useful occasionally.
2. Why Is ‘It’ Omitted in Some Cases?
In the sentence ‘it comes in handy sometimes,’ the pronoun ‘it’ refers to something previously mentioned, usually in context. However, in spoken and informal English, native speakers often omit the pronoun ‘it’ when the meaning is clear from context, such as in ‘Comes in handy sometimes.’
This elliptical construction is common in everyday speech or casual writing, where the subject (in this case, ‘it’) is implied. For example, someone might say, ‘I bought this new gadget. Comes in handy sometimes,’ omitting ‘it’ because it’s understood from the previous statement.
3. Is ‘It’ Necessary in All Cases?
While omitting ‘it’ is acceptable in casual English, in formal contexts or in written English, it is generally better to include ‘it’ for clarity. This ensures the sentence is grammatically complete and easily understood. In academic or professional writing, the full sentence ‘It comes in handy sometimes’ is more appropriate.
Moreover, including ‘it’ avoids confusion in cases where the sentence may be ambiguous without it. Always consider the context and the level of formality when deciding whether to omit the subject.
4. Conclusion: When to Use ‘It’ and When to Omit It
The phrase ‘comes in handy’ is a flexible expression, and its usage can vary depending on context. While omitting ‘it’ is perfectly fine in informal speech, including it is recommended in formal writing to ensure clarity and completeness. Understanding when and why to omit ‘it’ can help you sound more natural in conversation while still maintaining proper grammar in more formal situations.
In summary, ‘it comes in handy sometimes’ is the more standard form, but ‘comes in handy sometimes’ is also acceptable in casual settings where the subject is understood from the context.
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