Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use "Come Under" Correctly

Learning English phrasal verbs can be a challenge, but understanding them unlocks a deeper level of fluency. This post focuses on the versatile phrasal verb "come under". We'll explore its various meanings and how to use "come under" accurately in different contexts. By the end, you'll have a clearer grasp of this important part of English vocabulary and be able to use "come under" with confidence. We will look at its definitions, sentence structures, related words, and test your knowledge.

Image showing situations where someone might "come under" scrutiny or attack, featuring the phrasal verb "Come under"

What Does "Come under" Mean?
Structure with "Come under"
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Practice Time!
Conclusion

What Does "Come under" Mean?

The phrasal verb "come under" generally signifies being subjected to something, often something negative like criticism, attack, or pressure. It can also mean being classified or categorized within a particular group or heading. Understanding the context is absolutely key to grasping its specific nuance in any given sentence.

More: Come Together: Understanding the Meaning and Usage of This Phrasal Verb

Structure with "Come under"

The phrasal verb "come under" is often used to describe situations where a subject is affected by an external force or falls into a specific category. While it can seem straightforward, its meaning shifts subtly depending on the noun that follows it. It's important to understand its different applications to use this phrasal verb effectively.

Here are some common meanings and structures for "come under":

Meaning 1: To be subjected to (attack, criticism, pressure, scrutiny, etc.)

This is perhaps the most common usage of "come under". It often carries a negative connotation, implying an unwelcome experience. The subject is typically passive, receiving the action (criticism, attack, etc.) from an external source, even if that source isn't explicitly named. The intensity can vary from mild scrutiny to severe attack. For instance, a new film might come under critical review, or a politician might come under fire for a controversial decision. This is a very dynamic use of the phrasal verb, indicating an active force impacting the subject.

Structure: Subject + come under + Noun (e.g., attack, criticism, fire, pressure, scrutiny, influence, suspicion, discussion, review)
Example 1: The government has come under severe criticism for its handling of the economic crisis, with many calling for new policies.
Example 2: The small village came under attack during the night, forcing residents to seek shelter.
Further Example: The company's unusual accounting practices have come under scrutiny from regulators, prompting a detailed investigation.

Meaning 2: To be classified or categorized as; to fall within a particular group or heading

This meaning of "come under" is more neutral and relates to organization, administration, or definition. It's about where something fits within a system or framework. Think of it as being placed within a specific section or being the responsibility of a particular entity. It's commonly used in official, academic, or organizational contexts to define scope or responsibility. Learning this helps in understanding formal English better.

Structure: Subject + come under + Noun (e.g., a heading, a category, a description, the jurisdiction of, the auspices of, the umbrella of)
Example 1: This particular issue will come under the heading of "Miscellaneous Expenses" in the final budget report.
Example 2: All matters related to employee welfare and benefits come under the Human Resources department's purview.
Further Example: Rare book preservation comes under the special collections division of the library, which has dedicated staff for this purpose.

Meaning 3: To be influenced by someone or something

When "come under" is used in this sense, it suggests that the subject is being affected or changed by an external person, idea, or force. This influence can be positive, negative, or neutral, and it often implies a degree of submission or susceptibility on the part of the subject. This meaning emphasizes a change or potential change in the subject due to external factors.

Structure: Subject + come under + Noun (e.g., the influence of someone, a spell, the sway of an idea)
Example 1: He quickly came under the influence of his charismatic new mentor, adopting many of his views on leadership.
Example 2: She seemed to come under a spell whenever he was around, agreeing to everything he proposed without question.
Further Example: Many young artists come under the influence of established masters before developing their own unique style.

Meaning 4: To experience or undergo something (often a process or state, sometimes implying being managed or directed)

This usage is a bit broader and can overlap with "be subjected to" but often refers to a more formal process or a state of being managed. It’s less about a direct, often negative, impact like an attack, and more about entering a phase or state, such as repair, investigation, or development. This implies a period of transition or being within a particular managed situation.

Structure: Subject + come under + Noun (e.g., repair, construction, investigation, new management, development, consideration)
Example 1: The historic bridge will come under repair starting next month, causing temporary traffic diversions for local commuters.
Example 2: Following the audit, several departments will come under investigation to ensure compliance with new regulations.
Further Example: The struggling company eventually came under new management with hopes of a significant turnaround in its fortunes.

More: Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: How to Use 'Come To'

Related Phrases and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms can greatly enhance your vocabulary and comprehension, allowing you to express similar ideas with more precision. Here are some words and phrases related to the different meanings of "come under", along with their specific nuances and example sentences. Expanding your knowledge of these related terms will help you better grasp the subtleties of English.

Synonym	Meaning	Example Sentence
Be subjected to	To be made to experience something, usually unpleasant or imposed.	The participants in the study were subjected to rigorous testing.
Undergo	To experience or be subjected to (something, typically a process, change, or difficult experience).	The city will undergo major redevelopment in the next decade.
Face	To confront or deal with something difficult, unpleasant, or challenging directly.	She had to face the consequences of her actions.
Be classified as	To be officially put into a particular category, group, or type based on shared characteristics.	This ancient artifact is classified as a ceremonial object.
Fall under	To be included in or belong to a particular category, group, or area of responsibility; very similar to "come under a heading".	Complaints of this nature fall under the jurisdiction of the ethics committee.
Sustain	To suffer or experience something bad, like an injury, damage, or loss.	The aircraft sustained damage during the turbulent flight.

Using these synonyms appropriately can make your English sound more varied and sophisticated. Pay attention to the slight differences in meaning and the contexts in which each is typically used.

More: Come Through: Understanding the Phrasal Verb's Meanings & Usage

Practice Time!

Let's test your understanding of "come under" and its various meanings with a few questions. Choose the best option for each sentence. This is a great way to reinforce what you've learned about this versatile phrasal verb.

Question 1: Which sentence uses "come under" to mean being subjected to criticism or pressure? a) The new software update will come under the 'Utilities' section.

b) The politician has come under intense pressure to explain his recent decisions.

c) All documents related to the merger come under this file.

d) He quickly came under the table to hide.

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "The old building is scheduled to ______ major renovation next year." Which phrasal verb or phrase best completes the sentence in a similar meaning to one of the uses of "come under"? a) come across

b) come under

c) fall apart

d) get over

Correct answer: b

Question 3: "After the controversial article was published, the newspaper ______ a lot of fire from readers." The most appropriate phrasal verb is: a) came up against

b) came out with

c) came under

d) came around to

Correct answer: c

Question 4: In the sentence, "These specific regulations come under the authority of the national agency," what does "come under" primarily mean? a) To be physically located beneath something.

b) To be attacked or criticized by the agency.

c) To be influenced by the agency's opinions.

d) To be within the jurisdiction or category of the agency's responsibilities.

Correct answer: d

How did you do? Review any questions you found tricky by revisiting the meanings and examples discussed earlier. Practice is key to mastering phrasal verbs!

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like "come under" is a significant step in developing your English proficiency and sounding more like a native speaker. Understanding its various meanings – from being subjected to criticism or attack, to being classified under a specific heading, or being influenced – allows for more nuanced and accurate communication. Don't forget the importance of context in deciphering which meaning is intended. Keep practicing its structures and exploring examples in different texts, and you'll find "come under" becoming a natural and useful part of your active vocabulary. Keep up the great work!