When it comes to means on the subject of, or as far as something is concerned. It introduces a topic, and an opinion or a comparison usually follows: When it comes to money, he's very careful. The register is neutral, so the phrase works both in Speaking and in essays.
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when it comes to + noun/-ing; When it comes to X, + clause; …, but when it comes to X, …
- When it comes to cooking, my brother is much more patient than I am.
- Our team works fast, but when it comes to checking details, we still make mistakes.
- When it comes to travelling on a budget, overnight buses can save you a lot of money.
What changed
First versionWhen it comes to choose a university, many students follow their parents' advice.
RevisionWhen it comes to choosing a university, many students follow their parents' advice.
Out of habit, learners put an infinitive after to, as in want to choose. But in when it comes to, to is a preposition, just like to in look forward to. It needs a noun or a verb with -ing after it. So choose was changed to choosing.
As for means regarding, and it moves the conversation on to the next point: The hotel was great. As for the food, it was just OK. When it comes to also changes the topic, but it more often stresses that things are different in this area: She's shy, but when it comes to music, she can talk for hours.
Your turn
I'm quite relaxed about most things, but ___ money, I'm extremely careful.
Show the answer
when it comes to — The sentence needs the fixed phrase when it comes to, meaning where money is concerned. When it goes about may look like a possible way to say on the subject of, but English speakers don't use it.
Compare your strengths and weaknesses at work or in your studies. Name one strength and one weakness, and introduce the weakness with when it comes to.
I'm good at explaining ideas to clients, but when it comes to paperwork, I'm slow and disorganised.
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