# come to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/come-to
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to wake up or become aware again after being knocked out or fainting. You use this when someone opens their eyes after an accident.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He came to himself after the accident." but "He came to after the accident." — In this sense, 'come to' is intransitive and does not require a reflexive pronoun like 'himself'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.