Phrasal verb
come up
Meanings
to happen unexpectedly; to arise
to be mentioned or discussed
to approach or move nearer (to someone or something)
Definition
To come up means to arise or happen unexpectedly, often as a topic or issue.
If something comes up, it appears or happens, often without being planned. It is commonly used for problems, opportunities, topics in conversation, or events that change your plans. People often use it to explain why they cannot do something as scheduled.
Examples
- Something came up, so I can’t make it tonight.
- If any questions come up during the training, please ask.
- Her name came up in the conversation at lunch.
- A stranger came up and asked them for directions.
- When the lights went out, a new problem came up right away.
Common mistake
Learners often use "come up" when they mean "come up with" (invent/think of), but "come up" alone usually means arise, be mentioned, or approach.
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.