COME FOR

National Parks

📖 Definition

To approach someone or something with the intention of retrieving, capturing, or confronting them. It can also mean seeking or targeting someone for a purpose.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To approach someone or something with the intention of retrieving, capturing, or confronting them. It can also mean seeking or targeting someone for a purpose.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The phrasal verb 'come for' cannot be split with additional words.
Register
Neutral
'Come for' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object, typically the person or thing being approached.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple come for They come for us every Friday to play chess.
Past Simple came for The soldiers came for him during the night.
Present Continuous coming for The authorities are coming for the documents today.
Present Perfect have come for We have come for our parcel many times.

💡 When to Use

In confrontational scenarios
Use it when someone is being approached or confronted for a specific purpose, often involving conflict.
Example: "The protesters came for the police after the incident."
During retrieval events
When someone is retrieving something or someone, especially under tense circumstances.
Example: "The detective came for the suspect early in the morning."
In pursuit situations
Use it when describing a situation where someone is pursued for questioning or apprehension.
Example: "The journalist feared they would come for him due to his report."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object usage
❌ Wrong: They came for to party.
✅ Correct: They came for the party.
💡 Tip: Always ensure a direct object follows the phrasal verb.
Misplacement of modifier
❌ Wrong: They quietly came for the man
✅ Correct: They came quietly for the man
💡 Tip: Keep adverbs close to the verb.
Unnecessary separation
❌ Wrong: Come the package for and take it.
✅ Correct: Come for the package and take it.
💡 Tip: Do not separate 'come' and 'for'.
Practice

COME FOR - 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

target seek

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The soldiers were about to ___ the hidden weapons in the village."

come across
come for
come upon
come into

"When they come for you, resist the pull of fear and embrace your inner courage to stand firm against adversities."

In Context

In 1943, during World War II, the Nazis invaded Italy, leading to a pivotal moment in history. The citizens of Rome experienced an atmosphere of fear and tension as they knew that the Nazis would come for the Jewish community. One cold October morning, the German troops came for hundreds of innocent people, rounding them up for transport to concentration camps. Amidst the chaos, a young Italian woman named Anna Rossi took refuge in the countryside. She was aware that sooner or later, someone might come for her family. Her father had been an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime, and they knew they were not safe. One dawn, as the sun began to rise over the hills, Anna received word that the Nazis would soon come for them too. She fled again, seeking refuge with a sympathetic family further north. By the war's end, the oppressive Nazi hold faltered, and liberation forces came for the remaining prisoners. Anna survived the war, and the family that hid her remained unsung heroes. This story became a testament to the courage and resilience shown by ordinary people when the darkest times came for them, changing the course of lives forever.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come For

What is the origin of come for?

+
'Come for' originates from the Old English 'cuman' meaning 'to move, stir, bring into being,' representing the action of approaching someone or something.

Can come for be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, 'come for' is adaptable and used in both formal and informal contexts, suitable for general descriptions of pursuit or approach.

What is the difference between come for and target?

+
'Come for' implies physical approach or confrontation, while 'target' focuses on selecting someone or something as a point of focus.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

check oncome aboutcome down tocome out ofcome together
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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