SpeakUp

Grammar fix

come up with

think of an idea

to think of or create a new idea, plan, or solution, often when it is needed.

phrasal verbB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

Pattern: come up with + noun (idea/plan/solution/answer)

WrongShe came up a great idea.

RightShe came up with a great idea.

'Come up WITH' an idea — don't drop 'with'. ('Come up' alone means arise/approach.)

Patterncome up with + noun (idea/plan/solution/answer)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The team formulated an innovative solution.

Natural 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.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • come up with + idea
    a planan ideaa solutionan excuse

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'come out with,' which means to say something suddenly.

Try it in Daily Speak →