9 English Phrasal Verbs with "Come"
We're continuing our look at different English phrasal verbs and the many ways you can use them in daily conversations. This time, we're focusing on "come."
You may already know some of the phrasal verbs listed below, but some may have more uses than you thought!
Phrasal Verbs with “Come”
Come up with
If you "come up" with something, you think of it or create it in your mind.
I often come up with my best ideas while going for walks in the forest.
This is a great idea! Who came up with this?
Come up
This phrasal verb (without "with") means "to be mentioned."
When we were thinking of people who'd be good for the job, your name came up.
Paris came up while we were discussing places to go for our next vacation.
Come through
If you "come through," you successfully do something. This is often used in situations when there is little time or a lot of pressure (or both!).
Joe really came through at the last minute with a great solution to our problem.
Megumi always comes through, even in high-pressure business situations.
Come across
Meaning 1: to seem, to give an idea about the way someone or something is
Pilar comes across as a very intelligent and thoughtful person.
The team came across as sloppy and disorganized.
Meaning 2: to see or find something by chance
I came across some great books while browsing the used book store.
Come out
Meaning 1: to appear, to be revealed
After a big storm, the sun came out and the rest of the day was bright and sunny.
When news of the scandal came out, the executive was forced to resign.
Meaning: 2: to announce one's sexual orientation
The actor came out as gay during the interview.
Meaning 3: to disappear
I can't get this stain on my jacket to come out, no matter how much I scrub it.
Come at (someone)
This means to approach someone in an angry, aggressive way.
The drunk man came at me with a bottle in his hand.
Related article: Flipping Out: 13 Ways to Express Anger in English
Come along
"Coming along" means joining a person or group for an activity.
I'm glad I came along for the trip because I had a great time.
Sue decided not to come along because she was feeling under the weather.
Come on to (someone)
If you "come on" to someone, it means you're flirting with them.
Benny was coming on to every girl he met at the party.
Come on
"Come on" can be used in a variety of interesting ways. As a phrasal verb, it's mostly used in the imperative form.
Meaning 1: "Let's go!"
I think you'll have a good time if you join us. Come on!
Meaning 2: "Hurry up / Go!"
People shout this to encourage someone to do something or to keep going.
Come on! Just one more lap. You can do it!
Meaning 3: to approach, to get closer (often referring to a feeling or something figurative)
I feel a cold coming on. I'm going to go home and rest.
In the two examples below, "come on" is not exactly used as a phrasal verb. Instead, it's simply an expression used in specific situations.
One is when people are frustrated, as in the following example:
Come on, not again! This old computer is always freezing. I think it's time to upgrade.
The other is when someone hears information that's difficult to believe. This use is similar to "No way!"
You won the lottery? Come on! I don't believe it.
Wrap-up
The best way to learn and remember phrasal verbs is to use them yourself in real conversations. Try them out with our AI chatbot or in a conversation with an Engoo tutor!
For more useful phrasal verbs, check out our article collecting all of our related posts here.
