Meaning trap
come up
arise (of a problem, opportunity, or situation)
to happen or appear unexpectedly, especially when talking about problems, opportunities, or situations.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to happen or appear unexpectedly, especially when talking about problems, opportunities, or situations.
Another meaning of 'come up' is 'be mentioned (in conversation or discussion)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Sorry I’m late—something urgent came up at work.daily life
- In my opinion, it’s important to have a backup plan in case any unexpected problems come up during your travels.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: come up (subject: problem, opportunity, situation)
WrongSorry, something came up to me.
RightSorry, something came up.
'Come up' is intransitive here — no 'to me'.
Patterncome up (subject: problem, opportunity, situation)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Something's come up' is the natural way to say an issue has arisen; 'a matter has materialised' is stilted.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
come up + arisesomethinga probleman opportunityunexpectedly
Don't confuse it
Not to be confused with 'come out' (to be released or published) or 'come over' (to visit).
Related
- come up (be mentioned (in conversation or discussion)) — Another meaning of 'come up' is 'be mentioned (in conversation or discussion)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.