Top 10 Phrasal Verbs with COME You Should Know
If you are learning English, you have probably noticed that native speakers love using phrasal verbs. So what are they?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb with a preposition or adverb (or both) that functions as a single verb with a new, idiomatic meaning. They make conversations sound more natural, but they can be confusing because one small word can completely change the meaning of another.
Today, let’s explore some of the most common and useful phrasal verbs with “come”. The verb “come” combines with different words to bring different meanings. These are everyday expressions that native speakers use all the time: in daily conversations, movies, and even business English.
By the end of this post, you will not only understand what they mean but also know how to use them correctly in real life.
1. COME IN – Enter a place
This is probably the easiest and most common phrasal verb with “come”. You use it when inviting someone to enter a room or a building.
Example:
- Please come in and have a seat.
- It is raining outside. Come in quickly!
Tip: When you knock on the door, you will often hear people say “Come on in!” in a friendly way.
2. COME BACK – Return to a place
When you leave somewhere and then return, you “come back”. It can also be used to describe the return of something like a memory, trend, or feeling.
Example:
- I will come back later when you are free.
- Fashion from the 90s is coming back again.
Tip: “Come back” is also used metaphorically, like “He came back to life after the accident” (in movies or stories).
3. COME OVER – Visit someone’s place
“Come over” means to go to someone’s house, especially casually or for a short visit.
Example:
- Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight?
- My friends are coming over to watch a movie.
Tip: It is very common in spoken English. You can use it instead of saying “visit me” to sound more natural.
4. COME UP WITH – Think of an idea or plan
This is one of the most useful phrasal verbs with “come”, especially for work or study. When you “come up with” something, it means you think of a new idea, plan, or solution.
Example:
- We need to come up with a new marketing strategy.
- She came up with a great idea for the project.
Tip: Use this when talking about creativity or problem-solving.
5. COME ACROSS – Find something by chance
If you “come across” something or someone, it means you find them by accident, not because you were looking for them.
Example:
- I came across an old photo of us yesterday.
- He came across as a very kind person.
Tip: “Come across” can also mean the impression you give to others. For example, “He comes across as confident.”
6. COME ALONG – Join someone or make progress
This phrasal verb with “come” has two meanings:
- To join someone or go somewhere with them.
- To describe progress or development.
Examples:
- We are going to the park. Do you want to come along?
- Your English is really coming along well!
Tip: The second meaning is great for talking about learning or improvement.
7. COME DOWN WITH – Get sick
If you “come down with” an illness, it means you start to feel sick and usually with something mild like a cold or the flu.
Example:
- I think I am coming down with a cold.
- She came down with the flu after the trip.
Tip: You cannot use this for serious diseases. It’s mostly for minor sicknesses.
8. COME OUT – Be released, appear, or revealed
“Come out” has several meanings depending on context:
- When a book, movie, or song is released.
- When the truth is revealed.
- When something becomes visible.
Examples:
- The new Marvel movie comes out next month.
- The truth finally came out during the interview.
- The sun is coming out after the rain.
Tip: It is a very flexible and common phrasal verb, so pay attention to context!
9. COME FORWARD – Offer help or information
When someone “comes forward”, it means they volunteer to help, give information, or take responsibility for something.
Example:
- No witnesses have come forward yet.
- A student came forward to admit the mistake.
Tip: You will often see this used in news or formal situations.
10. COME THROUGH – Succeed or survive a difficult situation
This phrasal verb with “come” means to succeed, complete something difficult, or survive a challenge.
Example:
- Thanks for coming through for me when I needed help.
- She came through the surgery successfully.
Tip: It is often used to show appreciation or relief after a tough time.
BONUS: COME TO (a decision / an end / life)
“Come to” is another super flexible phrase you will hear often. It can mean “regain consciousness”, “reach a conclusion”, or “happen”.
Examples:
- He fainted but came to quickly.
- We finally came to a decision after hours of discussion.
- The meeting came to an end at 5 p.m.
Tip: The meaning of come to depends on what follows. It is all about context.
Why You Should Learn Phrasal Verbs with COME
Learning phrasal verbs with “come” helps you sound more fluent and natural in English. Instead of memorizing only single words, you will learn how native speakers combine them to express subtle meanings.
For example:
- Instead of “return,” say “come back.”
- Instead of “visit me,” say “come over.”
- Instead of “think of an idea,” say “come up with.”
These small changes make a big difference in how authentic your English sounds.
How to Master Phrasal Verbs with COME
- Group them by meaning.
Some phrasal verbs with come describe movement – “come in”, “come back”, “come over”, while others describe ideas or actions – “come up with”, “come across”, “come through”. Grouping helps you remember faster. - Use them in short sentences.
Try writing mini-dialogues or daily examples. For instance:- I came across a new café today.
- Come over if you are free tonight!
- Listen and repeat.
Watch movies, podcasts, or YouTube videos where native speakers use them naturally. Listening helps you feel how they fit into real-life speech.
Final Thoughts
Phrasal verbs are the secret ingredient that makes English sound alive and expressive. By learning phrasal verbs with “come”, you will understand movies, songs, and conversations much better, and your speaking will sound smoother and more confident.
Start small. Practice a few phrasal verbs every day, use them in sentences, and review them regularly. Before long, they will come naturally to you, just like they do for native speakers.
Explore more phrasal verbs from ELSA Speak blog:
