Phrasal verb
come up with
Meanings
To think of or create an idea, plan, or answer.
To produce or obtain something needed, often after effort or searching.
Definition
To come up with something means to think of or produce an idea, plan, or solution.
When you come up with something, you create it in your mind or find it after thinking. It is often used for ideas, answers, excuses, names, and solutions. It suggests effort or creativity, especially when something is needed quickly.
Examples
- I came up with a new slogan for the school play.
- Can you come up with a better way to organize these files?
- She came up with a clever excuse for being late.
- They came up with enough chairs for all the guests.
Common mistake
Learners often say “come up an idea” instead of the correct “come up with an idea.”
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.