worse/worst

New2grammarworse comes to [worse/worst]

Which of the choices is correct for the common phrase above?

Thanks in advance!If the worst comes to the worst (NAmE also If worst comes to worst)

Hi N2G

I've heard that expression used in various ways:

If worse comes to worse
If worse comes to worst
If worst comes to worst

It seems to me the second one is the most logical.

Thank you, Yoong Liat and Yankee. I like the second one too.

Just bear in mind, N2G, that idioms aren't necessarily logical.
It also seems to me that "if worst comes to worst" is wha

Thanks for the warning, Yankee.

This was discussed in

I've edited your link, YL. (The link didn't work the way it was originally posted.) - Amy

Thanks, Amy.

New2grammarworse comes to [worse/worst]

Which of the choices is correct for the common phrase above?

Thanks in advance!

Hi New2grammar,

This should help you clear up any question you may have:



Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia

It brings up another problem. How many variations are there? The parentheses confuses me.

I believe there are 8 as follows:

if (when) worse (worst) come(s) to worst

Hi Goodman

Just to confirm: Is there a typo? If worst come to worst

Hi YL

If the word 'come' is used, then it would be subjunctive. I don't think I've ever actually heard anyone use this idiom with the subjunctive, though.