Phrasal verb
come under
Meanings
to receive strong attention or criticism; to be targeted by scrutiny
to become controlled or governed by a person, group, or system
to be included in a particular category, rule, or arrangement
Definition
To come under means to be affected by something, especially criticism, control, or a category of rules.
Come under is used when someone or something becomes subject to attention, pressure, or criticism. It can also mean to be controlled by an authority or to belong to a particular group or set of rules. Learners often use it in formal or news-style writing.
Examples
- The mayor came under heavy criticism after the meeting.
- This area comes under the control of the park rangers.
- My question came under the final topic on the agenda.
- Their decision came under close scrutiny from the community.
- She came under pressure to finish the project early.
Common mistake
Learners often say "come below" or "come under to," but the correct pattern is "come under + noun" (e.g., "come under pressure").
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.