The phrasal verb "come up with" is predominantly used in informal and semi-formal contexts. It often appears in conversational language and written texts such as personal emails, creative writing, or business meetings when brainstorming is involved. In formal writing, such as academic papers or official reports, it's generally replaced by more formal synonyms like "develop," "devise," or "formulate." The verb is flexible, used to describe the process of generating new ideas, plans, or solutions, often implying creativity and urgency. It is used across various settings, from casual problem-solving scenarios to business and marketing, where individuals are encouraged to "come up with" innovative approaches or concepts. This phrasal verb's versatility makes it a staple in discussions where innovation or immediate solution generation is necessary.
B1
Intermediate
1. To produce or think of an idea, plan, or solution.
She was able to come up with a brilliant marketing strategy.
I need to come up with some ideas for our project.
He came up with the perfect solution to the problem.