Differences between come to and come up
Come to usually means to regain consciousness or to reach a decision, while come up generally means to approach or to arise.
Meanings and Definitions: come to vs come up
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Come to
- 1Become conscious, wake up from anaesthetic.
She CAME TO an hour after the operation.
- 2Result in.
The two men started arguing but they soon CAME TO blows and started fighting in earnest.
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 to, come up in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
come to
Example
When will he come to after the surgery?
Example
She comes to quickly after fainting.
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 to
To become conscious again after being unconscious.
Example
After the accident, it took her a few minutes to regain consciousness.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come up
To move closer to someone or something.
Example
She saw him approaching from the other side of the street.
To happen or occur unexpectedly.
Example
A problem arose during the project, but they were able to solve it quickly.
crop up
To appear or happen unexpectedly.
Example
Unexpected expenses cropped up during the trip, but they managed to handle them.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Differences in come to vs come up: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come to or come up?
In daily conversation, people use come up more often than come to. This is because come up is used for more common situations such as approaching someone or something, while come to is less common and used mainly in specific situations like regaining consciousness or making a decision. So, while both phrases are used, come up is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come to and come up
Come to and come up are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. 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 to and come up
The tone of come to and come up can differ based on context. Come to often carries a serious or urgent tone when related to regaining consciousness or making a decision, while come up typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to approaching someone or something.
come to & come up: Synonyms and Antonyms
Come to
Antonyms
- faint
- collapse
- unravel
- deteriorate
- lose consciousness
- decline
