# come up

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to happen unexpectedly, especially when it changes your plans. You use this when you suddenly have a problem or a task to deal with.

For teachers: to arise or occur unexpectedly, often necessitating a change in schedule or priority. The verb is intransitive in this sense and takes no object.

## Examples

- I'm sorry, but something has come up and I can't meet you.
- We were planning to go to the cinema, but a work emergency came up at the last minute.
- Although the project seemed straightforward, several unforeseen technical issues came up during the final testing phase, delaying the launch by a week.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Something came up me." but "Something came up." — In the sense of 'happening unexpectedly', the verb is intransitive and cannot take a direct object.

## Usage notes

- This sense is intransitive, meaning it does not take a direct object.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'come up with' (to think of an idea) to avoid confusion between these two distinct phrasal verbs.

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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.