Commonly confused
Come about vs Come up
“Come about” and “Come up” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.
The key difference
Come about means happen, especially in an unplanned way. Come up means arise as a topic or event.
come about
- 1
Happen, especially in an unplanned way
“How did this come about?”
- 2
Of a ship, change tack to the opposite side
“The yacht came about into the wind.”
come up
- 1
Arise as a topic or event
“The subject came up in conversation.”
Stop mixing them up
Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.