English Phrasal Verb: To Come Up With

To think of an idea or plan

To Come Up With

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Example Sentences for the English Phrasal Verb Come Up With

1. Can you have a look to see what we have in the refrigerator and come up with a plan for dinner?
2. I can always rely on you to come up with a plan. I would be lost without you.
3. Can you come up with a theme for his birthday party?
4. Rose came up with a scheme to reduce costs and increase profit.
5. Milton has come up with a new way to use old newspapers.

The English phrasal verb, to come up with, is transitive and inseparable.

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English Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be extremely tricky for learners of English. The reason for this is twofold: there are lots of them and their meaning is not always obvious from the words that make them up. To make things even more difficult, phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings, adding to the headache for learners.

A phrasal verb is made up of a main verb with an attached preposition or adverb. An example of a phrasal verb is run into. Where run is the main verb and into is the preposition. Phrasal verbs can be separated into two groups, intransitive and transitive verbs. Intransitive phrasal verbs do not have a direct object: go out, for example, "I want to go out tonight". Transitive phrasal verbs have a direct object and they can be split up into two further categories: separable and inseparable. With separable transitive phrasal verbs, the verb and the preposition can be split up. For example, both “turn off the radio” and “turn the radio off” are both correct. Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split up. For example, “I’ll look after you” is correct, but “I’ll look you after” is not.

Using Storyboard That you can prepare a visual dictionary of phrasal verbs quickly and easily. Even better than that, have your students create their own phrasal verb visual definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions about English Phrasal Verb: To Come Up With

What does 'come up with' mean in English?

Come up with means to think of or invent something, such as an idea, plan, or answer. It's often used when someone creates or suggests a solution.

How can students use 'come up with' in a sentence?

Students can use come up with like this: "She came up with a creative idea for the science project." It shows someone invented or thought of something.

Why is 'come up with' considered a phrasal verb?

'Come up with' is a phrasal verb because it combines a verb ('come') and a preposition ('up with') to create a new meaning that's different from the individual words.

What are synonyms for 'come up with'?

Some synonyms for come up with include invent, devise, create, think of, and formulate. These words all mean to produce or suggest something new.

What is the difference between 'come up with' and 'make up'?

Come up with means to generate ideas or solutions, while make up can mean to invent something, often a story, that may not be true. The phrases are similar but used differently in context.