Can I use "come up for" with any noun?

It is mostly used with events, topics, or opportunities.

What is the difference between "come up for" and "come up with"?

"Come up for" means something is scheduled or arises, while "come up with" means to think of an idea.

Is "come up for sth" formal or informal?

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can "come up for sth" be used in the past tense?

Yes, for example, "The issue came up for discussion yesterday."

Come up for sth Meaning, Examples & How to Use Correctly

What Does “Come up for sth” Mean?

“Come up for sth” means to become available for discussion, consideration, or action, often referring to a scheduled event or opportunity.

Introduction

The phrase “come up for sth” is a common English phrasal verb used in everyday conversations and formal contexts. The “sth” stands for “something,” which means this phrase can be followed by different nouns depending on the situation. Understanding the come up for sth meaning helps learners recognize when an issue, topic, or opportunity is about to happen or be addressed. For example, a job interview might “come up for” a candidate, or a question may “come up for” discussion during a meeting. This phrase is versatile and useful for talking about times when something is scheduled or expected to occur soon. Knowing how to use it correctly will improve your English fluency and comprehension.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: come up for something
Type: Intransitive
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Short meaning: To become available or be scheduled for consideration or action

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Come up for sth” is an intransitive phrasal verb and is generally inseparable. It follows this pattern:

Subject + come up for + noun (something)

Examples:

The topic came up for discussion.
My name comes up for nomination next week.

How to Use “Come up for sth”?

You use “come up for sth” when referring to something scheduled or expected to happen, such as an event, question, or opportunity. It often relates to situations like interviews, meetings, deadlines, or any planned moment when a subject or action is ready to be addressed. The phrase signals the arrival or approach of something important that needs attention.

Examples

My performance review comes up for discussion tomorrow.
The issue of funding came up for debate during the meeting.
Her name comes up for election next month.
When does your contract come up for renewal?
The question of holidays came up for consideration at the conference.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect: The topic came up on discussion.
Correct: The topic came up for discussion.
Incorrect: My name comes up with nomination.
Correct: My name comes up for nomination.
Incorrect: The question came up about holidays.
Correct: The question came up for holidays.

Differences / Synonyms

“Come up for sth” is similar to phrases like “be scheduled for,” “arise for,” or “be up for.” However, “come up for sth” specifically implies that something is about to happen or be discussed soon.

Come up for sth – focuses on something becoming due or scheduled.
Be up for sth – often means being ready or willing for something.
Come up with sth – means to think of or produce an idea.

Example differences:

My contract comes up for renewal next month. (scheduled)
Are you up for the challenge? (ready/willing)
She came up with a great plan. (idea)

Common Collocations

Come up for discussion
Come up for consideration
Come up for election
Come up for renewal
Come up for debate
Come up for review

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of come up for sth:

Real-life Dialogue

Anna: When does your contract come up for renewal?

James: It comes up for renewal next month. I need to prepare for the meeting.

Anna: Good luck! Hopefully, it will come up for discussion soon.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “come up for”:

My annual performance review ________ discussion next Friday.
The issue of budget cuts ________ debate during the meeting yesterday.
Her name ________ election next year.
When does your lease ________ renewal?

FAQs

Q: Is “come up for sth” separable?
A: No, it is usually inseparable.
Q: Can I use “come up for” with any noun?
A: It is mostly used with events, topics, or opportunities.
Q: What is the difference between “come up for” and “come up with”?
A: “Come up for” means something is scheduled or arises, while “come up with” means to think of an idea.
Q: Is “come up for sth” formal or informal?
A: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Q: Can “come up for sth” be used in the past tense?
A: Yes, for example, “The issue came up for discussion yesterday.”