Phrasal-prepositional verb indicating generation or creation

Encourages participants to generate new concepts, proposals, or resources under pressure.

Brainstorming sessions, problem-solving meetings, fundraising pitches where a quick answer is needed.

Everyday conversation, professional settings like business meetings and academic discussions; informal yet appropriate for collaborative environments.

come up with

come up with

New idea, plan, proposal, excuse, compensation, the goods (deliverable), creative output

• eventually
• quickly
• fail to
• manage to

• Devise
• think up
• suggest
• produce

Incorrectly separating components — e.g., saying 'come up it with' instead of the correct idiomatic form; forgetting that the preposition is required after 'come up'.

Make up (invent/create something false), put forward (propose or present an idea).

Note that this usage differs from the verb 'come up' which means to arise naturally; learners must distinguish between natural occurrence and intentional generation.

• Think up
• devise
• brainstorm
• generate

Emphasizes proactive, often time-pressured creation; the idiom 'come up with the goods' specifically signals delivering a tangible result rather than just thinking about one.

Signals encouragement for creative output, indicating willingness to accept unconventional suggestions while maintaining urgency.

Who can come up with a better solution?

The phrase 'come up with' is a versatile expression used to prompt the creation or production of ideas, solutions, or resources, often under pressure or in collaborative settings. It is essential for both casual and professional communication, particularly in scenarios requiring quick thinking or innovation. The expression carries a sense of urgency and encourages proactive involvement in problem-solving or ideation processes. Learners should be aware that this phrase is distinct from the verb 'come up,' which refers to natural occurrences rather than deliberate actions. The phrase can be used with various nouns, including 'idea,' 'solution,' 'money,' and 'compromise,' and is often accompanied by adverbs like 'quickly' or 'eventually' to convey the timeframe or ease of the task. Common mistakes include incorrect separation of the components, such as saying 'come up it with' instead of the correct form. The idiomatic expression 'come up with the goods' emphasizes the delivery of tangible results, highlighting the importance of not just thinking but also executing ideas. Examples of similar expressions include 'devise,' 'think up,' and 'suggest,' which can be used interchangeably in certain contexts. The phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation, professional settings, and academic discussions, making it a valuable tool for effective communication in various environments.

Come up with a bright idea