come forward
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle forward
Meanings
Volunteer information or help, especially to authorities
Why “forward”? An idea is presented, or a person volunteers, for others to consider.
“Witnesses came forward after the appeal.”
“Two neighbours came forward with new details.”
Don't confuse with
Come forward means volunteer information or help, especially to authorities. Come across means find or meet someone or something by chance.
Test yourself
“Witnesses came forward after the appeal.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
come across
A contrast learners often mix up
Find or meet someone or something by chance; Give a particular impression to others; Be expressed clearly enough for people to notice or understand
bring forward
Same forward pattern: showing
Move an event to an earlier time or date; Present information or an idea for people to consider
put forward
Same forward pattern: showing
Propose or suggest; Advance a clock
step forward
Same forward pattern: showing
Volunteer to take responsibility or come into view
come about
Same base verb: come
Happen, especially in an unplanned way; Of a ship, change tack to the opposite side
come after
Same base verb: come
Be later than something in time or order; Chase someone, or try to punish them
come along
Same base verb: come
Make progress or develop; Accompany someone to a place; Arrive or appear, often by chance
come apart
Same base verb: come
Break into pieces or stop holding together
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