What are the definitions of “come around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Recover consciousness.
It took several hours after the operation before he CAME AROUND.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come around is to regain consciousness or wake up after being unconscious. This can happen after an accident, surgery, or fainting.
What are the different verb forms of “come around”?
| Root Verb | come around |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes around |
| Present Participle | coming around |
| Simple Past | came around |
| Past Participle | come around |
Example
After the surgery, it took her a while to come around.
Example
He usually comes around quickly after fainting.
Example
She is coming around after being unconscious for a few minutes.
Example
He came around a few hours after the anesthesia wore off.
Example
She had come around by the time the doctor checked on her.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come around”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come around” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She came around after the surgery.
Example
He came around a few minutes after fainting.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She came around after the surgery.
Example
He came around a few minutes after fainting.
Good things to know
Does “come around” have an informal or formal tone?
Come around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
