worse/worst

New2grammar wrote:

It brings up another problem. How many variations are there? The parentheses confuses me. I believe there are 8 as follows: if worse come to worst if worst comes to worst - Depending on your logic level, this one is also accepted, not necessarily the correct usage. Some believe "worst to worst" just does not sound logical! if worst come to worst if worse comes to worst---This is the most commonly heard and used. It means "from a not-so- good state to the very bad".  when worse comes to worst ---This is the locution of the blue one above when worse come to worst when worst come to worst when worst comes to worst - Also heard and used. But this has a slightly different complexion in meaning. In a nutshell, it mean "when the worst comes to materialize".

My interpretatin of your questions:

if worse come to worst

if worst comes to worst - Depending on your logic level, this one is also accepted, not necessarily the correct usage. Some believe "worst to worst" just does not sound logical! However it can mean, "if the worst is to materialize..."

when worse comes to worst ---This is the locution of the blue one above

when worse come to worst

when worst come to worst

when worst comes to worst - Also heard and used. But this has a slightly different complexion in meaning. In a nutshell, it means "when the worst comes to materialize".

Yankee wrote:

Just to add a little more confusion to this thread, I'd like to mention that I've also heard this idiom used with 'came' (i.e. in a sentence with the same format as a type 2 conditional).  I've just never actually heard it used with the subjunctive 'come'.

I consider that the best form is "If worse comes to worst" because it is the most logical.  Supposedly, if things are already worst, they can't get any worse from there.  (Las Lomas High School English teacher, Walnut Creek, CA) 

Hi New2grammar

I hope the following will help you decide what you should say/write.

if the worst comes to the worst