Come up with
1 Think of an idea
Meaning
Think of an idea or a new way of doing something.
Why up?
Up is used in some phrasal verbs with the idea of starting something. Think of the sun coming up in the morning as a metaphor.
Check out more phrasal verbs with the same preposition logic in Logic > up.
Collocations
So, what words go together with come up with?
Examples
subject verb object
| It was Michael who came up with the idea. |
| It was the best excuse he could come up with. |
| They couldn't come up with a solution. |
| They have come up with a new way to tackle the problem. |
| Well, let's see what we can come up with. |
| They have come up with a 10-point plan to improve rail safety. |
| He came up with the right answer. |
| We need to come up with a proposal that satisfies everyone. |
| She came up with the suggestion of forming a support group |
| They finally came up with a compromise that works for us. |
| They came up with a scheme to build more houses. |
| He came up with the theory after years of research. |
| Hopefully they will come up with a cure soon. |
Grammar
inseparable Don't separate this phrasal verb. It takes an object. Someone comes up with something.
| I came up with the idea. |
| I came up with it. |
2 Find money for sth
Meaning
Manage to find the money needed for something.
similar Get
Why up?
Up is used in some phrasal verbs with the idea of starting something. Think of the sun coming up in the morning as a metaphor. Something appears.
Check out more phrasal verbs with the same preposition logic in Logic > Up.
Examples
| We need more time to come up with the money. |
| We couldn't come up with the money in such a short time. |
| How I am supposed to come up with that kind of cash? |
| They came up with the funds to restore the building. |
| An anonymous donor came up with the funds. |
| We have been unable to come up with the funding we need for the project. |
| He came up with a figure of about 5.2 million. |
| He's got a week to come up with the dosh. |
| He says if I don't come up with the dough he's gonna hurt me. |
Grammar
inseparable Don't separate this phrasal verb. It takes an object. Someone comes up with something.
| I came up with the money. |
| I came up with it. |