Phrasal verb
come up to
To come up to someone or something means to approach and reach them, usually by walking.
Meanings
to approach someone or something and get close to them/it
to reach a required standard, expectation, or level (often in comparisons)
Definition
“Come up to” most often means to move toward a person or place until you are close to it. It can also mean to reach a certain standard or level, especially when comparing performance or expectations. In everyday speech, it is common in polite requests and descriptions of someone approaching.
Examples
- A stranger came up to me at the bus stop and asked for directions.
- Please come up to the counter when your order is ready.
- She trained hard, but her results still didn’t come up to her coach’s expectations.
- They came up to us after the talk to introduce themselves.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “come up to” (approach/reach a standard) with “come up with” (invent or think of an idea).
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.