Differences between come about and come up
Come about means to happen or occur, often unexpectedly or by chance. On the other hand, come up means to arise or appear, often in a planned or intentional way.
Meanings and Definitions: come about vs come up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Come about
- 1Happen, occur.
The meeting CAME ABOUT because both sides were sick of fighting.
- 2Shift direction ( nautical ).
The yacht CAME ABOUT to a heading of 240 degrees.
Come up
- 1Appear.
I'll be late home tonight because something's COME UP at work has to be ready for tomorrow morning.
- 2Rise ( the sun ).
The sun CAME UP just as we reached the outskirts of the town.
Usage Examples: come about, come up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
come about
Example
How did this situation come about?
Example
Change often comes about gradually.
come up
Example
A new issue has come up at work, and I need to deal with it.
Example
Whenever a problem comes up, she always finds a solution.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come about
crop up
To appear or happen unexpectedly or suddenly.
Example
A lot of problems cropped up during the construction of the new building.
To come into existence or become real or actual.
Example
After months of planning, the project finally materialized and was ready to launch.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come up
To appear or become noticeable, often in a planned or intentional way.
Example
A new opportunity arose for her to work abroad.
To come into existence or become known or visible, often in a planned or intentional way.
Example
A new trend emerged in the fashion industry, and many designers started incorporating it into their collections.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “about”
- fall about
- faff about
- fly about
- swan about
- hang about!
Differences in come about vs come up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come about or come up?
Both come about and come up are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, come up is slightly more common than come about because it can be used in a wider range of contexts.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come about and come up
Both come about and come up are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of come about and come up
The tone of come about and come up can differ based on context. Come about often carries a sense of surprise or unexpectedness, while come up typically has a more intentional or planned tone.
