COME UNDER

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come under' means to experience or receive something, typically in the form of attack, criticism, or scrutiny. It implies being subjected to external forces or pressures that challenge or threaten. The term conveys a context where someone or something becomes the focus of critical observation or pressure, often necessitating a response.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come under' means to experience or receive something, typically in the form of attack, criticism, or scrutiny. It implies being subjected to external forces or pressures that challenge or threaten. The term conveys a context where someone or something becomes the focus of critical observation or pressure, often necessitating a response.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The components of the phrasal verb cannot be split.
Register
Neutral
This phrasal verb is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
'Come under' requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple come under The new policy comes under fire from critics.
Past Simple came under The project came under scrutiny yesterday.
Present Continuous coming under She is coming under pressure to resign.
Present Perfect have come under They have come under attack recently.

💡 When to Use

Facing criticism or attack
Used when someone or something is receiving criticism or facing an attack, emphasizing the target's position.
Example: "The management came under criticism after the incident."
Experience scrutiny or pressure
Applied when someone or something is subject to detailed examination or pressure, suggesting a need for accountability.
Example: "The proposal came under scrutiny before approval."
Enduring external challenges
Utilized when discussing scenarios where challenges or pressure are imposed from external sources.
Example: "The team came under pressure to perform well."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong preposition
❌ Wrong: He came on fire during the debate.
✅ Correct: He came under fire during the debate.
💡 Tip: Remember 'under' implies being placed beneath something oppressive.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: The reforms have come under attacked.
✅ Correct: The reforms have come under attack.
💡 Tip: Use the base form 'attack,' not 'attacked,' after 'come under.'
Wrong context
❌ Wrong: He came under to catch the ball.
✅ Correct: He ran to catch the ball.
💡 Tip: 'Come under' is not for spatial actions.
Practice

COME UNDER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

undergo face

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After the announcement, the new policy ___ fire from various groups."

come over
come under
came through
comes out

"Only under pressure does a true character come under examination, revealing resilience or fragility in life’s trials."

In Context

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere embarked on his legendary midnight ride to alert colonial militias of the approaching British forces before the battles of Lexington and Concord. When the colonies came under threat, Revere's sense of duty to his country came under intense scrutiny. As he rode through the night, the small towns of Massachusetts came under a wave of urgency, with local militias hastily mobilizing to prepare for conflict. His cry of 'The British are coming!' spurred swift action across the countryside, emphasizing the importance of communication and unity in times of crisis. As the British continued their advance, more towns came under the warning signals passed along by Revere and fellow riders. This network of alerts allowed the militias to strategically prepare, coming under solid defensive alignment to counter the British troops. Revere’s actions were pivotal in positioning the colonial forces for their initial successes in the Revolutionary War. His ride not only exemplified bravery but also illustrated how a single act of courage could come under wider recognition, leaving a lasting impact on the fight for American independence. By morning, with the colonies prepared and fortified, the British advance came under intense resistance, setting the stage for the colonies’ quest for freedom.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come Under

What is the origin of come under?

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The phrase 'come under' originates from a literal sense of being positioned or placed beneath something. It evolved metaphorically to describe situations where an individual or entity receives negative attention or is subjected to pressure or scrutiny, first appearing in English texts during the 17th century.

Can come under be used in formal and informal contexts?

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Yes, 'come under' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal situations, it might be used to discuss an organization coming under official investigation, whereas in informal contexts, it can refer to a person coming under personal criticism.

What is the difference between come under and undergo?

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'Come under' conveys facing external pressure or attention, often unexpectedly, while 'undergo' implies going through a planned or recognized process or change. 'Come under' highlights external initiation, whereas 'undergo' is about the subject's experience of a process.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

come forcome out ofcome togethercome up withcome upon
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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