# come forward

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/come-forward
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The witness came forward the evidence." but "The witness came forward with the evidence." — the verb is intransitive and requires 'with' to introduce the object of the information.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.