Quick Definition
Come Up With — To think of or produce an idea, plan, or solution.
Meanings of Come Up With
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Think of an idea | She came up with a brilliant marketing plan. | She thought of the plan. |
| Produce/find | Can you come up with the money by Friday? | Can you find/provide the money? |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| She came up with a brilliant marketing plan. | She thought of the plan. |
| Can you come up with the money by Friday? | Can you find/provide the money? |
| "Don't worry -- I'll come up with it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to come up with the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: transitive
Three-part (multi-word) phrasal verb. Inseparable — the object always follows 'with': come up with a solution (NOT come a solution up with).
How to Use Come Up With
Neutral to informal. Widely used in business, creative, and academic contexts.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | She came up with a brilliant marketing plan. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Come Up With
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Come Up With
What does "Come Up With" mean?
"Come Up With" means: To think of or produce an idea, plan, or solution. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B2.
Is "Come Up With" separable or inseparable?
"Come Up With" is inseparable. Three-part (multi-word) phrasal verb. Inseparable — the object always follows 'with': come up with a solution (NOT come a solution up with).
How do I use "Come Up With" in a sentence?
She came up with a brilliant marketing plan. -- in this example, 'Come Up With' means she thought of the plan.
What is the register of "Come Up With"?
Neutral to informal. Widely used in business, creative, and academic contexts.
What CEFR level is "Come Up With"?
"Come Up With" is typically taught at CEFR B2 — Upper Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Come Up With" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Come Up With" specifically means: To think of or produce an idea, plan, or solution. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Come Up With" be used formally?
Neutral to informal. Widely used in business, creative, and academic contexts. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Come Up With" take an object?
"Come Up With" is transitive. Three-part (multi-word) phrasal verb. Inseparable — the object always follows 'with': come up with a solution (NOT come a solution up with).
How can I practise "Come Up With"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Come Up With' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Come Up With" used in British or American English?
"Come Up With" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to informal. Widely used in business, creative, and academic contexts.