ENGLISH
REFERENCE

issue forth

phrasal verb.
C2 Proficiency Oxford Formal Literary
Definition

phrasal verb. to come out of a place in a steady flow or a large group.

phrasal verb. to emerge or flow out from a source; often used to describe liquids, sounds, or groups of people moving in a continuous stream.


SIMPLE

Smoke began to issue forth from the old chimney.

CONTEXTUAL

As soon as the gates opened, the crowd began to issue forth into the stadium.

COMPLEX

A strange, rhythmic humming started to issue forth from the depths of the cave, echoing through the valley.

  • emerge
  • flow out
  • stream out
  • emanate
Particles
forth
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
issue + forth + (from + object)
Usage

usually followed by the preposition 'from' to indicate the source.

Teaching tip

this is a highly formal or literary alternative to 'come out' or 'emerge'; it is rarely used in casual conversation.

Pitfall

The water issued forth the pipe.The water issued forth from the pipe.the verb requires the preposition 'from' to connect to the source of the movement.

Last updated April 24, 2026