# come forth

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/come-forth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to step forward or appear, often to give information or help.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He came forth to the room." but "He came into the room." — 'come forth' means to emerge or present oneself, not simply to enter a physical space.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.