Phrasal verb
come upon
Meanings
to find someone or something unexpectedly; to encounter by chance
to discover something (such as information) unexpectedly while searching or working
Definition
To come upon someone or something means to find them unexpectedly.
If you come upon someone or something, you find them by chance, often when you are not looking for them. It usually happens while you are walking, traveling, or searching for something else. It can also mean that an idea or information appears suddenly while you are working or thinking.
Examples
- I came upon a quiet beach while exploring the coastline.
- You might come upon a solution if you take a short walk.
- She came upon an old recipe book in the back of the cupboard.
- They came upon a street performance as they left the museum.
Common mistake
Learners often use "come up on" instead of "come upon" when they mean “find unexpectedly.”
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.