come up
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle up
Meanings
Arise as a topic or event
Why “up”? A person, thing, signal, idea, or truth becomes present, visible, active, or known.
“The subject came up in conversation.”
“Something urgent came up, so I had to leave.”
“A question about delivery costs came up during Maya's office presentation.”
Create an idea or plan, or find an answer
Why “up”? A new thing appears or is made.
“At the shopping centre cafe, Leo came up with a plan for finding Maya's new coat.”
“We need to come up with a cheaper plan.”
“Nina came up with the right answer.”
“The office team came up with a plan for the late delivery after Maya asked for ideas.”
Memory hook
An idea rises up into your mind, and you bring it along with you — come up with.
Common mistake
She came up a great idea.
She came up with a great idea.
To invent or suggest an idea, use come up with. Come up alone means to arise or approach.
Natural collocations
The word partners “come up” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Come up means appear as a topic or event. Come out means become known to people.
Test yourself
“The subject came up in conversation.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
come out
A contrast learners often mix up
Be revealed publicly
blow up
Same up pattern: appearance
Explode or be destroyed by an explosion; Inflate something by filling it with air; Suddenly become very angry; Enlarge a photograph or image; (of a storm or argument) develop quickly into something serious
bring up
Same up pattern: appearance
Mention or raise a topic
build up
Same up pattern: making
Gradually increase in amount, strength or intensity; Develop or strengthen something over time; Make someone or something seem more important or impressive than they are; Encourage or strengthen someone emotionally; Create momentum towards a moment or event
call up
Same up pattern: appearance
Telephone someone; Order someone to join military service; Display information on a screen or computer; Bring a memory or feeling vividly to mind; Select a player for a higher-level team
catch up
Same up pattern: appearance
Reach the same level or position as someone ahead; Get up to date with news, work or events you have missed; (of bad behaviour or neglect) start to have unavoidable consequences; Spend time talking to a friend after a period apart
clear up
Same up pattern: appearance
Tidy a place by putting things away; (of weather) become bright and dry after rain or cloud; Resolve a misunderstanding or doubt by explaining it; (of an illness, rash or symptom) disappear or get better; Solve a mystery or unsolved problem
conjure up
Same up pattern: making
Invent as if by magic
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “come up”.
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