What are the definitions of “come upon”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Find by chance.
I CAME UPON the book in a little second - hand bookshop in Dorset.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come upon”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come upon is to find something or someone unexpectedly or by chance. It often refers to discovering something while doing something else or being in a different place.
What are the different verb forms of “come upon”?
| Root Verb | come upon |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes upon |
| Present Participle | coming upon |
| Simple Past | came upon |
| Past Participle | come upon |
Example
While walking in the forest, I came upon a hidden waterfall.
Example
She often comes upon interesting items at the flea market.
Example
He is coming upon new ideas while researching for his project.
Example
Yesterday, they came upon a beautiful old house while exploring the countryside.
Example
By chance, she had come upon a rare book at the library.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come upon”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“come upon” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I came upon an old photo album while cleaning the attic.
Example
She came upon a hidden treasure in the cave.
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 upon” 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
I came upon an old photo album while cleaning the attic.
Example
She came upon a hidden treasure in the cave.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come upon”?
To suddenly understand or become aware of something.
Example
After much thought, she came upon the realization that she needed to change her career.
Come upon an opportunity
To encounter an unexpected chance or possibility.
Example
He came upon an opportunity to work abroad and decided to take it.
Good things to know
Does “come upon” have an informal or formal tone?
Come upon is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations.
