Come up with

Phrasal Verbs | B1

Listening exercises with “Come up with”

The phrasal verb strong to come up with something has a couple of very useful meanings.

To come up with something means to think of an idea, plan, or solution, often when you need to be creative or solve a problem.

We use this phrasal verb when someone produces or creates an idea, suggestion, or answer, particularly when it requires some thought or creativity.

e.g. We need to come up with a name for the new product by the end of the week.

e.g. She’s brilliant at coming up with creative solutions to problems.

This is a type 4 phrasal verb, which means the object always comes after both parts of the phrasal verb.

You can say: They came up with a brilliant idea.

But you can’t say: They came a brilliant idea up with.

Try and decode these example sentences:

To come up with something can also mean to produce or provide something that is needed, particularly money or resources.

When we use this, it often communicates the idea that producing the thing required involves some effort or difficulty.

e.g. Can you come up with £500 by Friday?

e.g. They somehow managed to come up with the funds to keep the business running.

Here are some more examples: