Phrasal Verbs with “COME,” along with their meanings
Have you ever heard someone say “come up” or “come back” and wondered what they really mean?
In English, we often use small words like “come” with other words to make phrasal verbs. These are phrases that have special meanings, different from what the words mean on their own.
Today, I’m going to talk about phrasal verbs with “come.” They’re super common, and once you learn them, you’ll hear them everywhere!
Let’s look at the most useful ones, what they mean, and how to use them in simple sentences.
What Are Phrasal Verbs?
Before we start, let’s make it clear. A phrasal verb is a verb (like “come”) plus a small word (like “up,” “back,” or “in”). Together, they create a new meaning. For example, “come” means to move toward something, but “come up” can mean something totally different, like a topic being mentioned. Don’t worry if it sounds tricky—it’s easier when you see examples!
Why Learn Phrasal Verbs with “Come”?
“Come” is a word we use all the time. Adding little words to it changes its meaning in fun and useful ways. Knowing these phrasal verbs will help you understand people better and speak English more naturally. Plus, they’re used in conversations, movies, books, and even songs. Let’s dive in!
1. Come Up
Meaning: When something “comes up,” it means it happens unexpectedly or gets mentioned. Example: “Sorry, I can’t go to the park. Something came up at home.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: Think of “come up” like something popping into your day or conversation, like a surprise.
2. Come Back
Meaning: To return to a place or person. Example: “I’ll come back to the store later to get milk.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: It’s just about going somewhere and then returning. Easy!
3. Come In
Meaning: To enter a place, like a room or building. Example: “Please come in! It’s cold outside.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: Imagine walking through a door—that’s “come in.”
4. Come Out
Meaning: This can mean to leave a place or to become known. It’s also used when something (like a book or movie) is released. Example: “The sun came out after the rain stopped.” More Examples:
- “Her new book comes out next week.”
- “The truth came out, and everyone was shocked.”
Simple Tip: Think of “come out” as something showing up or appearing.
5. Come Over
Meaning: To visit someone’s house or place. Example: “Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight?” More Examples:
- “My friends came over to watch a movie.”
- “Can I come over and see your new puppy?”
Simple Tip: It’s like saying, “Come to my place!”
6. Come Down
Meaning: To move from a higher place to a lower one, or sometimes to feel less excited. Example: “Come down from the tree—it’s dangerous!” More Examples:
- “The price of apples came down this month.”
- “She was so happy, but then she came down after the party.”
Simple Tip: Picture something falling or calming down.
7. Come On
Meaning: This can mean to hurry up, to start (like a show), or to encourage someone. Example: “Come on, we’re going to be late!” More Examples:
Simple Tip: It’s like a little push to move faster or cheer someone.
8. Come Across
Meaning: To find something by chance or to seem a certain way to others. Example: “I came across an old photo in the box.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: Think of stumbling onto something unexpectedly.
9. Come Together
Meaning: When people or things join or unite. Example: “We all came together to help our friend.” More Examples:
- “The party came together perfectly.”
- “The team came together and won the game.”
Simple Tip: It’s about things or people connecting.
10. Come Apart
Meaning: To break into pieces or fall apart. Example: “The old chair came apart when I sat on it.” More Examples:
- “My toy came apart, and I can’t fix it.”
- “The book came apart because it was so old.”
Simple Tip: Imagine something splitting or breaking.
11. Come Along
Meaning: To join someone or to make progress. Example: “Do you want to come along to the park?” More Examples:
- “How’s your homework coming along?”
- “She came along with us to the beach.”
Simple Tip: It’s about going with someone or checking on progress.
12. Come Through
Meaning: To succeed or to survive something tough. Example: “He came through the surgery and is doing well.” More Examples:
- “She always comes through when we need help.”
- “The team came through and won the match.”
Simple Tip: Think of making it to the other side of a challenge.
13. Come Up With
Meaning: To think of an idea or plan. Example: “I came up with a fun game for us to play.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: It’s about creating something in your mind.
14. Come Around
Meaning: To change your mind or to visit casually. Example: “She didn’t like the idea at first, but she came around.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: It can mean agreeing or stopping by.
15. Come Off
Meaning: To succeed, to stop being attached, or to seem a certain way. Example: “The party came off really well—everyone had fun!” More Examples:
- “The paint came off the wall easily.”
- “He comes off as rude, but he’s nice.”
Simple Tip: Think of something working out or peeling away.
More Phrasal Verbs with “Come”
There are so many phrasal verbs with “come”! Let’s look at a few more to make sure you’ve got plenty to practice with.
16. Come Into
Meaning: To receive something, like money, or to enter a situation. Example: “She came into a lot of money when her uncle died.” More Examples:
- “He came into the room quietly.”
- “They came into power after the election.”
Simple Tip: It’s about getting something or stepping in.
17. Come By
Meaning: To visit briefly or to get something (often rare). Example: “Come by my house when you’re free.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: Think of a quick visit or finding something special.
18. Come About
Meaning: To happen or start. Example: “How did this mess come about?” More Examples:
- “The change came about because of new rules.”
- “Their friendship came about after a trip.”
Simple Tip: It’s about explaining how something started.
19. Come At
Meaning: To approach or attack someone. Example: “The dog came at me, but it just wanted to play.” More Examples:
Simple Tip: Picture someone or something moving toward you.
20. Come Before
Meaning: To be more important or to happen earlier. Example: “Family comes before work for me.” More Examples:
- “This meeting comes before lunch.”
- “Her speech came before the awards.”
Simple Tip: It’s about priority or order.
How to Use These in Real Life
Now that you know these phrasal verbs, try them out! Listen for them when people talk, and practice using them yourself. Here’s a little story using some of them:
“Yesterday, I came up with a plan to visit my friend. I came over to her house, and she said, ‘Come in!’ We talked, and her new job came up. She came across some cool ideas at work. Later, the rain stopped, and the sun came out. We came along to the park together. It all came together perfectly!”
See how natural they sound? You can do this too!
Tips for Learning Phrasal Verbs
- Practice One at a Time: Pick a few, like “come up” and “come back,” and use them all day.
- Make Sentences: Write or say your own examples.
- Listen: Watch TV or talk to people and notice these phrases.
- Don’t Stress: They’ll feel normal with time.
Why “Come” Is So Special
“Come” is a simple word, but it’s super flexible. It’s about movement—coming closer, returning, or even ideas popping up. That’s why it’s in so many phrasal verbs. Once you get used to them, you’ll feel more confident in English.
Final Thoughts
Phrasal verbs with “come” are everywhere, and now you know what they mean! From “come up” (something happens) to “come through” (succeeding), you’ve got a big list to play with. Try them out, and soon you’ll sound like a natural English speaker. Which one’s your favorite? Let me know, and keep practicing!
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