What are the definitions of “come under”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To fall sick.
She unexpectedly came under the weather and had to miss the important meeting.
- 2To be subjected to or face criticism or scrutiny.
A year ago Noble came under attack from an anonymous blogger and short sellers for its accounting policies.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come under”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come under is to be subjected to or face criticism, scrutiny, or pressure. It is often used when someone or something is being examined or criticized by others.
What are the different verb forms of “come under”?
| Root Verb | come under |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes under |
| Present Participle | coming under |
| Simple Past | came under |
| Past Participle | come under |
Example
The company came under investigation for its financial practices.
Example
She comes under a lot of pressure at work.
Example
The politician is coming under fire for his controversial statements.
Example
The project came under scrutiny after it failed to meet its goals.
Example
The organization has come under criticism for its lack of transparency.
What kind of phrasal verb is “come under”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come under” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The government came under pressure to change its policies.
Example
The celebrity came under fire for her controversial comments.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come under” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The government came under pressure to change its policies.
Example
The celebrity came under fire for her controversial comments.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come under”?
Come under fire
To be criticized or attacked, often publicly.
Example
The politician came under fire for his controversial statements.
Come under pressure
To experience stress or pressure, often due to external factors.
Example
The team came under pressure to meet the tight deadline.
Come under scrutiny
To be closely examined or analyzed, often due to suspicion or doubt.
Example
The company's financial practices came under scrutiny after the scandal.
Good things to know
Does “come under” have an informal or formal tone?
Come under is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings such as business meetings, academic discussions, or news reports.
