Come up means to happen unexpectedly (about a task or problem) or to be mentioned in a conversation (about a topic or question). Something has come up is a common way to explain why you can't make it: something unexpected needs your time. About a question at a meeting, you say: The question came up at the meeting.
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something (has) come up; come up at/in + meeting/conversation; come up with + idea
- Sorry, something has come up at work, so I'll be about an hour late.
- Your name came up at the meeting today; the boss wants you on the new project.
- The question of salary didn't come up until my second interview.
What changed
First versionSorry, I can't meet tonight because I have some affairs.
RevisionSorry, I can't meet tonight because something has come up.
“I have affairs” may look like a way to say you are busy. But “have an affair” means to have a secret romantic relationship, so the sentence sounds ambiguous. When something unexpected needs your time, say “something has come up”.
“Come up with” means to think of an idea or plan: here a person actively suggests something, rather than a topic appearing by itself. The question came up at the meeting, and Lena came up with a solution.
Your turn
I was about to leave for the station when something urgent ___ at work, so I missed my train.
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came up — Something urgent suddenly appeared at work and kept the person there: “came up”. “Came out” is used about the truth or a new release becoming known or available, not about tasks.
Write a message cancelling a meeting. Say which meeting you are cancelling and suggest another day.
I'm really sorry, but something has come up, so I can't make our lunch on Thursday. Are you free on Monday instead?
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