Come over vs come around?

Question

Is there a difference between two phrases "come over" and "come around"?

Which one should I use e.g. as in:

"I'll come around your desk in 20 minutes"
or
"I'll come over to your desk in 20 minutes"

Thank you.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Anonymous "I'll come around to your desk in 20 minutes"
or "I'll come over to your desk in 20 minutes" Both are fine.
The first one may imply that the speaker will be moving around the room "on his rounds," and will make a pass by your desk.

The second one may imply that the speaker will make a special direct trip to your desk.

There's some flexibility with both expressions.

If you're inviting someone to your house, you could say "come [on] over sometime," or you could say, "why don't you come around sometime?" "Why don't you ever come around?"

In my experience, the second and third ones are regional, and "I'll drop around your desk in 20 minutes" may be used regionally as well. (without the "to.")

Come over vs come around?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬