What are the definitions of “come up against”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Encounter problems or difficulties.
They CAME UP AGAINST a lot of opposition to their plans for an out - of town supermarket development.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come up against”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come up against is to encounter problems or difficulties. It is often used when facing challenges or obstacles in various situations.
What are the different verb forms of “come up against”?
| Root Verb | come up against |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes up against |
| Present Participle | coming up against |
| Simple Past | came up against |
| Past Participle | come up against |
Example
We come up against many challenges in life.
Example
She comes up against a lot of resistance at work.
Example
They are coming up against some unexpected issues during the project.
Example
He came up against a tough opponent in the competition.
Example
They had come up against several obstacles before finding success.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come up against”?
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 up against” 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
We came up against a lot of opposition.
Example
She came up against many challenges in her career.
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 up against” 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
We came up against a lot of opposition.
Example
She came up against many challenges in her career.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come up against”?
To encounter opposition or reluctance from others.
Example
The new policy came up against resistance from the employees.
Good things to know
Does “come up against” have an informal or formal tone?
Come up against 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, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
