Meaning trap
come up
arise (of a problem, opportunity, or situation)
to happen or appear unexpectedly, especially when talking about problems, opportunities, or situations.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to happen or appear unexpectedly, especially when talking about problems, opportunities, or situations.
Another meaning of 'come up' is 'be mentioned (in conversation or discussion)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Sorry I’m late—something urgent came up at work.
In my opinion, it’s important to have a backup plan in case any unexpected problems come up during your travels.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Sorry, something came up to me.
Say: Sorry, something came up.
'Come up' is intransitive here — no 'to me'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Something's come up' is the natural way to say an issue has arisen; 'a matter has materialised' is stilted.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
come up + arise
- something
- a problem
- an opportunity
- unexpectedly
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- come up (be mentioned (in conversation or discussion)) — Another meaning of 'come up' is 'be mentioned (in conversation or discussion)'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.