come forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come forward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who volunteers to do something or to give information. For example, you could say: "The police are asking anyone who saw the accident to come forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Come forward.

Independent

Whistleblowers started to come forward.

The Economist

No eyewitnesses have come forward.

The Economist

All witnesses must come forward.

The New York Times

Corporations have also come forward.

The New York Times

"Come forward," she said.

The New York Times

Let him come forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Please come forward.

The Guardian

"There's an unwillingness to come forward".

The New York Times

No one has yet come forward.

The New York Times

No winners have come forward yet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "come forward" in legal or investigative contexts, ensure clarity regarding what information or assistance is being requested from individuals.

Common error

Avoid using "come forward" when you simply mean 'appear' or 'arrive'. "Come forward" implies a proactive offering of information or help, especially in situations involving a need for witnesses or volunteers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come forward" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase. It indicates an action of volunteering information or assistance, often related to investigations or situations where help is needed. Ludwig AI indicates this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come forward" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of volunteering information or assistance, particularly in scenarios involving investigations or public appeals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is generally neutral and widely accepted. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the need for individuals to proactively offer their help or knowledge. Alternatives like "step up", "volunteer information", or "offer assistance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step up

Focuses on taking action or responsibility, rather than just providing information.

volunteer information

Specifically emphasizes the act of providing information without being asked.

offer assistance

Highlights the willingness to help, which is a broader concept than just providing information.

provide testimony

Implies a formal setting, like a court or investigation, for giving information.

make oneself available

Emphasizes being accessible and ready to help, rather than the act of initiating contact.

present oneself

A more formal way of saying "appear" or "arrive", not necessarily implying the sharing of information.

testify

Specifically refers to giving evidence in a legal context.

make a statement

Refers to a formal declaration, often to the press or authorities.

turn oneself in

Implies admitting guilt or responsibility for something, often to law enforcement.

surface

Suggests emerging from obscurity or hiding, and may or may not involve offering information.

FAQs

How can I use "come forward" in a sentence?

You can use "come forward" to describe someone offering help or information, especially in relation to a crime or investigation. For example: "The police are urging witnesses to "come forward" with any information."

What does "come forward" mean?

"Come forward" means to volunteer information or assistance, often about a crime or important event. It suggests taking initiative to share what you know.

What can I say instead of "come forward"?

You can use alternatives like "step up", "volunteer information", or "offer assistance" depending on the context.

Is "come forward" formal or informal?

"Come forward" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is most commonly found in news and media reports.