Phrasal verb
come down with
Meanings
to become ill with an illness; to start having a sickness
Definition
To become ill with a particular illness, often suddenly.
To come down with something means to start being sick with an illness, especially one that begins quickly. It is commonly used for colds, flu, and similar infections. It focuses on the start of the illness rather than the whole period of being ill.
Examples
- I think I’m coming down with a cold.
- You came down with the flu right before your trip.
- He came down with a fever after the long hike.
- She’s coming down with something, so she stayed home today.
- They came down with a stomach bug after the picnic.
Common mistake
Learners often say "come down by/at" instead of the correct preposition "come down with" (e.g., "come down with a cold").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.