Phrasal verb
come to
Definition
phrasal verb. to wake up or become aware again after being knocked out or fainting. You use this when someone opens their eyes after an accident.
phrasal verb. to regain consciousness after a period of being unconscious, such as after fainting or medical anaesthesia. This phrasal verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Examples
“He usually comes to a few minutes after fainting.”
“After the surgery, it took several hours for the patient to finally come to in the recovery room.”
“The boxer struggled to come to after the knockout blow, much to the concern of the medical staff ringside.”
Examples
simple
“He usually comes to a few minutes after fainting.”
contextual
“After the surgery, it took several hours for the patient to finally come to in the recovery room.”
complex
“The boxer struggled to come to after the knockout blow, much to the concern of the medical staff ringside.”
Usage
This verb is intransitive, meaning it never takes an object.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'wake up' (from sleep) and 'regain consciousness' (more formal); note that 'come round' is a very common British English alternative for this sense.
Pitfall
He came to himself after the accident.
He came to after the accident.
In this sense, 'come to' is intransitive and does not require a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
come + to
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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