COME UP AGAINST

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "come up against" means to encounter or face difficulties, problems, or opposition that are challenging to overcome.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "come up against" means to encounter or face difficulties, problems, or opposition that are challenging to overcome.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object cannot split the phrasal verb.
Register
Neutral
Can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple come up against They often come up against financial challenges.
Past Simple came up against Last year, she came up against unexpected opposition.
Present Continuous coming up against We are coming up against new issues.
Present Perfect have come up against She has come up against many obstacles in her career.

💡 When to Use

Facing obstacles
Use when describing situations where someone is encountering barriers or difficulties.
Example: "The company came up against regulatory issues."
Confronting opposition
Use when someone faces opposition from individuals or groups.
Example: "The reformers came up against fierce resistance."
Meeting challenges
Use when describing the experience of dealing with challenging situations.
Example: "In his new job, he is coming up against many challenges."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement
❌ Wrong: They came against up the problem.
✅ Correct: They came up against the problem.
💡 Tip: Remember the object follows the phrasal verb, not splits it.
Wrong preposition use
❌ Wrong: They came over against difficulties.
✅ Correct: They came up against difficulties.
💡 Tip: Stick to 'up against' to convey opposition.
Use as non-transitive
❌ Wrong: They came up against.
✅ Correct: They came up against challenges.
💡 Tip: Always include the obstacle being faced.
Practice

COME UP AGAINST - 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

encounter confront

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The politician ___ strong opposition during her campaign."

came over
come up against
came under
came into

"To truly grow, one must come up against their limitations, for only then can they break through and discover new possibilities."

In Context

During the early 1900s, the suffrage movement in the United States faced numerous challenges. Leading figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton repeatedly came up against societal and political resistance. Initially, their calls for women's rights were met with skepticism and outright hostility. As they organized marches and public demonstrations, they came up against legal barriers, with many states refusing to even entertain the notion of women's suffrage. Despite these obstacles, the movement gained momentum through persistent advocacy and strategic lobbying. In a defining moment, the National American Woman Suffrage Association, led by Carrie Chapman Catt, pushed for a constitutional amendment. This effort once again came up against Conservative opposition, particularly from politicians who argued that granting women the right to vote would disrupt societal norms. However, the movement's persistent efforts and the role of women in World War I eventually swayed public opinion. In 1920, with the passage of the 19th Amendment, American women finally secured the right to vote. The suffrage movement's journey illustrates how repeatedly coming up against formidable challenges can ultimately lead to meaningful social change.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come Up Against

What is the origin of come up against?

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"Come up against" originated from a combination of the verb "come" and the concept of encountering resistance or barriers. Its use became popular in the 20th century and is often seen in contexts involving challenges or opposition.

Can come up against be used in formal and informal contexts?

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"Come up against" is neutral and versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in professional settings, such as reports or discussions, as well as in everyday conversations when discussing personal challenges.

What is the difference between come up against and confront?

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While both involve dealing with challenges, "come up against" emphasizes encountering unexpected resistance or difficulties. In contrast, "confront" often suggests a deliberate action to face or challenge something directly.

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face up tofight offhold onrun intodeal with
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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