What Does “Come between sb and sth” Mean?
“Come between sb and sth” means to cause a separation or disagreement between someone and something, often disrupting a relationship or connection.
Introduction
The phrase “come between sb and sth” is a common phrasal verb in English. It describes situations where something or someone interrupts or damages the relationship or connection between a person and another person, or between a person and an idea, belief, or object. Understanding the “come between sb and sth meaning” helps learners express how external factors can affect personal feelings or relationships. This phrase is often used when talking about conflicts, misunderstandings, or obstacles that create distance or tension. Knowing how to use it correctly adds depth and precision to your English communication.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: come between sb and sth (come between somebody and something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To cause a separation or conflict between someone and something or someone else
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Come between sb and sth” is inseparable, meaning you cannot separate the verb and the preposition.
Common structure patterns include:
- Come between + somebody + and + something/somebody
- Example: “Nothing should come between you and your goals.”
How to Use “Come between sb and sth”?
Use this phrasal verb when you want to talk about something or someone interfering with a relationship or connection. It often implies a negative impact, such as causing problems or disagreements. “Come between” is commonly used with people and abstract things like trust, friendship, love, or beliefs.
For example, you can say: “His work never comes between him and his family,” meaning his job does not interfere with his family life.
Examples
- Jealousy can come between friends and ruin their trust.
- The argument came between them and broke their friendship.
- Money should never come between a couple in love.
- Don’t let doubts come between you and your dreams.
- Come between sb and sth in a sentence: “No one should come between a mother and her child.”
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: “He comes between his friends often.”
- Correct: “He comes between his friends and causes fights.”
- Incorrect: “Come between something and somebody.”
- Correct: “Come between somebody and something.”
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Interfere with: Usually means to get involved in a situation where you are not wanted.
- Get between: Similar to “come between,” but often implies actively interrupting.
Difference: “Come between” often suggests a more passive or indirect cause of separation, while “get between” implies active interference.
Common Collocations
- come between friends
- come between family members
- come between lovers
- come between beliefs and actions
- come between someone and their goals
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of come between sb and sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: I’m worried that the new project might come between us and our usual teamwork.
Mark: I understand, but I believe if we communicate well, nothing will come between our friendship.
Anna: You’re right. We should focus on working together without letting anything come between us.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “come between”:
- 1. No one should ever _________ me and my family.
- 2. Jealousy can _________ close friends and cause problems.
- 3. Don’t let fear _________ you and your dreams.
FAQs
- Q: Can “come between” be used with objects?
A: Yes, it can describe interference between a person and an object or an abstract idea.
- Q: Is “come between” separable?
A: No, you cannot separate “come” and “between” in this phrasal verb.
- Q: What is the difference between “come between” and “get between”?
“Come between” usually means causing separation indirectly, while “get between” implies active interference.
- Q: Can it be used in the past tense?
Yes, for example, “That argument came between us.”
- Q: Is “come between” formal or informal?
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
