Phrasal verb
come forward
Meanings
To volunteer information, help, or a response, especially publicly or officially.
To move physically toward the front or toward someone after being farther back.
Definition
To come forward means to step forward or offer information, help, or a response, often publicly.
When someone comes forward, they move from the background to make themselves known. It often means volunteering information, reporting something, offering help, or responding to a request. The phrase is commonly used in public situations, such as investigations, announcements, or group discussions.
Examples
- After the announcement, I came forward to offer my help.
- When the coach asked for volunteers, you came forward immediately.
- He came forward with new information about the missing laptop.
- She came forward during the meeting and shared her concerns calmly.
- They came forward to support their neighbor after the storm.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse come forward (to volunteer or step toward the front) with come up (to approach or arise).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.