Phrasal verb
come forth
Definition
phrasal verb. to step forward or appear, often to give information or help.
phrasal verb. to emerge from a place or state of concealment; frequently used in legal or formal contexts to describe witnesses presenting themselves.
Examples
“Several witnesses have come forth with new evidence.”
“The police asked for anyone with information about the accident to come forth and speak to them.”
“Despite the promise of anonymity, few whistleblowers were willing to come forth and testify against the corporation's unethical practices.”
Examples
simple
“Several witnesses have come forth with new evidence.”
contextual
“The police asked for anyone with information about the accident to come forth and speak to them.”
complex
“Despite the promise of anonymity, few whistleblowers were willing to come forth and testify against the corporation's unethical practices.”
Usage
this is a formal phrasal verb often replaced by 'come forward' in everyday conversation.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'come forward'; 'come forth' has a slightly more archaic or biblical tone and is less common in modern spoken English.
Pitfall
He came forth to the room.
He came into the room.
'come forth' means to emerge or present oneself, not simply to enter a physical space.
Phrasal verb
Particles
forth
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
come + forth
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/come-forth