The Grammar Behind 'Dream Come True' or 'Dream Has Come True?'

When it comes to expressing one's desires becoming a reality, many writers and speakers may find themselves unsure whether to use the phrase 'dream come true' or 'dream has come true'. Both can be grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the specific context of the sentence. In this article, we will explore the grammatical nuances and provide examples to help you make the right choice.

Understanding the Usage Context

Both phrases can be correct; however, they are utilized in different contexts to convey slightly different meanings. 'Dream come true' is typically used as a noun clause, often in informal settings, while 'dream has come true' is a complete sentence that indicates an action that has been completed in the past but continues to have relevance in the present.

Examples of Usage

When the phrase 'dream come true' is used, it introduces a noun clause. This is often seen in standalone phrases or sentences:

My trip to Italy is a dream come true.

In contrast, 'dream has come true' is a complete sentence that uses the present perfect tense to indicate a past action that has relevance in the present:

After all these years of hard work, my dream of winning the award has finally come true.

Grammatical Analysis

Both phrases, 'dream come true' and 'dream has come true', serve different grammatical functions and can be used in appropriate contexts:

'Dream Come True'

Noun clause: 'Dream come true' is a noun clause that functions as the subject in a sentence. It is often used in a more poetic or descriptive manner:

Winning this award is a dream come true moment for me.

'Dream Has Come True'

Present Perfect Tense: 'Dream has come true' uses the present perfect tense, indicating a past action that has relevance in the present. The subject is the noun 'dream':

You are a dream which has come true.

Examples:

Visiting all the continents of the world is a dream come true. Passing the professional examination is a dream come true. The dream of building a skyscraper has finally come true.

The Evolution of Phrases

The phrase 'dream come true' has interesting etymological roots. It can be seen as a simplification or a popularized version of the idea of a dream developing into reality. Just as 'Come' in phrasal verbs can mean 'to develop' or 'to turn into', 'dream come true' conveys a similar idea of a dream transforming into a reality. Examples include:

Lawyer come business owner Court jester come confidant

On the other hand, 'dream has come true' is a straightforward sentence with a clear subject—'dream'. Both phrases, in their own right, can be correct, depending on the context and the syntax of the preceding narrative.

Contextual Usage Examples

To further illustrate the context in which each phrase can be used, consider these examples:

You are a/my dream come true

In this context, 'dream come true' is used as a noun phrase describing someone as fulfilling a dream.

You are a dream which has come true

Here, 'dream has come true' is a complete sentence, indicating that a dream has indeed come true.

Conclusion

In summary, both 'dream come true' and 'dream has come true' can be grammatically correct, depending on the specific context and the intended meaning of the sentence. Understanding the nuances of these phrases can help you choose the right one for your expression, whether it be in an informal or formal context.