θɪŋk ʌp
neutral
intermediate
- Base verb:
- think
- Particle:
- up
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "think up" mean?
To invent or create an idea, plan, or excuse
Examples
- She thought up a brilliant marketing strategy.
- Can you think up a better excuse?
- The team thought up several creative solutions.
- Who thought up this crazy scheme?
- We need to think up a way to reduce costs.
How to use it
Often implies creativity or cleverness. Can be used negatively for inventing excuses.
Word order
Object can go between: 'think something up' or 'think up an idea'
Similar expressions
invent
devise
create
conceive
Opposites
copy
imitate
Related phrasal verbs
- think over
To consider something carefully before making a decision
- think through
To consider all aspects of something carefully and completely
- get up
To rise from bed after sleeping
- turn up
To increase the volume, heat, or intensity of something
- give up
To stop trying to do something, often because it is too difficult
- bring up
To mention or introduce a topic in conversation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "think up" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.