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come up

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

When something suddenly happens, appears, or is mentioned in a conversation.

Literal meaning: To move upward or to approach from below.

Meanings

1 A2 idiomatic neutral

Of a topic, issue, or name: to be mentioned or to arise in conversation or during a process.

"Your name came up during the interview—they clearly know your work."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 idiomatic informal

Of an event or situation: to occur or happen, often unexpectedly.

"I'm sorry I can't make dinner—something has come up at work."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To approach someone, especially by walking toward them.

"A stranger came up to me on the street and asked for directions."

Grammar: inseparable
4 A2 neutral

Of the sun, moon, or plants: to rise or grow upward and become visible.

"The tulips came up earlier than usual this spring."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most frequently used phrasal verbs in English. Very common in both spoken and written contexts. The sense of a topic arising in conversation is extremely frequent in everyday speech. 'Something came up' is a very common way to explain a sudden change of plans.

Commonly used with

topic issue question problem opportunity name

Forms

Base
come up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes up
he/she/it
Past simple
came up
yesterday
Past participle
come up
have + pp
-ing form
coming up
continuous

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