Phrasal verb
come forward
Definition
phrasal verb. to offer help or give information about something, especially to the police or a person in charge. You use this when someone decides to speak up about a problem.
phrasal verb. to volunteer information or assistance, typically in response to a public appeal or during an investigation. The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.
Examples
“Several witnesses decided to come forward after the accident.”
“The police are asking anyone with information about the robbery to come forward immediately.”
“Despite fears of retaliation, the whistleblower chose to come forward with evidence of corporate corruption that had been hidden for decades.”
Examples
simple
“Several witnesses decided to come forward after the accident.”
contextual
“The police are asking anyone with information about the robbery to come forward immediately.”
complex
“Despite fears of retaliation, the whistleblower chose to come forward with evidence of corporate corruption that had been hidden for decades.”
Usage
This phrase is often used in legal, news, or formal investigative contexts.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'step forward' or 'speak up'; 'come forward' specifically implies providing information to an authority.
Pitfall
The witness came forward the evidence.
The witness came forward with the evidence.
the verb is intransitive and requires 'with' to introduce the object of the information.
Phrasal verb
Particles
forward
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
come + forward
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/come-forward