come up with — think of an idea
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to think of or create a new idea, plan, or solution, often when it is needed.
Say it like a native
Textbook The team formulated an innovative solution.
Native The team came up with a clever solution.
'Come up with' is the everyday verb for thinking of something; 'formulated an innovative solution' is corporate.
Pattern: come up with + noun (idea/plan/solution/answer)
In use
- She came up with a great idea for the school project.daily life
- In my last group assignment, I came up with a solution that helped us finish the work on time.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ She came up a great idea.
✓ She came up with a great idea.
'Come up WITH' an idea — don't drop 'with'. ('Come up' alone means arise/approach.)
Common collocations
come up with + idea— a plan, an idea, a solution, an excuse
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'come out with,' which means to say something suddenly.