PHRASAL VERBS vs. FORMAL VOCAB (COME UP WITH)

Hello everyone! How was your weekend? I hope that you enjoyed it and were able to relax. 

This week's theme is Phrasal Verbs vs. Formal Vocabulary. English often has a phrasal verb that is the less-formal equivalent of a formal word or phrase. This week, we will look at these pairs. Today we begin with the three-word phrasal verb (TO) COME UP WITH and its formal equivalent "normal" verb, (TO) DEVISE.  

Definition of TO COME UP WITH: To think of an idea or plan. 

Example 1: Can you come up with some ideas for a name for my new dog?

Example 2: How many ideas did you come up with for dinner?

Formal equivalent: TO DEVISE (SOMETHING)

Definition: To plan or invent.

Example 3: They devised a way to spend less money while also still saving for vacation.

Example 4: We need to devise a plan for this new project. 

Hopefully you notice something about the examples. The less formal phrasal verb is used for things that are less formal (like ideas for parties). The more formal verb (DEVISE) is for more formal or serious things (like plans for important projects, or projects related to money). You will see this theme throughout our lessons this week. 

That's all for today. Thank you for reading!