cooked up

USAGE SUMMARY

"cooked up" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that means to invent or create something, especially a story or plan, typically in a dishonest or manipulative way. Example: The politician was accused of cooking up a false narrative to gain support from voters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was the union cooking that up, as they cooked up many other things.

The New York Times

"A smokescreen cooked up by the military".

The New York Times - Arts

This was cooked up by the Chews.

The New York Times

He cooked up a Sizzle and Stir..

The Guardian - Books

Had Ray Levine cooked up three stories?

The Guardian

Cornelia, our daughter, cooked up names.

The New York Times

Then they cooked up their own balms.

The New York Times

This idea was cooked up by Mr Ayrault.

The Economist

Not bad for something cooked up in a Welsh kitchen.

The Economist

Mr. Ruto has called the evidence "cooked up".

The New York Times

He cooked up the persona of a demented Santa.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cooked up", consider the subtle implication of inventiveness or even deception. Choose this phrase when you want to suggest that something was not only created but also possibly contrived or fabricated.

Common error

While "cooked up" is widely understood, it can sound informal or colloquial in some professional or academic settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "developed", "created", or "formulated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cooked up" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of creating or inventing something, often with the implication that the creation is elaborate, somewhat contrived, or possibly deceptive. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "cooked up" is a versatile expression used to describe the creation or invention of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While it often implies inventiveness, cleverness, or even a hint of deception, it’s important to be mindful of the tone, as it can be perceived as informal in more formal settings. Alternatives like "invented", "devised", or "concocted" can provide similar meanings with subtle variations in nuance, as well as being context appropriate. Understanding these subtleties will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trumped up

Specifically suggests the creation of false charges or accusations.

concocted

Similar to "cooked up", often suggesting a fanciful or elaborate creation, possibly with a deceptive intent.

fabricated

Stresses the creation of something false or deceptive.

invented

Focuses on the act of creating something new, often without the implication of deception.

hatched

Suggests a secret or carefully planned scheme.

contrived

Indicates a deliberately created and somewhat artificial or forced plan or story.

devised

Emphasizes planning and cleverness in creating a scheme or plan.

dreamed up

Implies imaginative or whimsical creation.

formulated

Highlights the structured and systematic development of a plan or idea.

whipped up

Implies creating something quickly and easily, often referring to food but applicable to ideas or plans.

FAQs

How can I use "cooked up" in a sentence?

You can use "cooked up" to describe the invention or creation of something, often with a hint of deception or ingenuity. For example, "They "cooked up" a scheme to defraud investors" or "The media "cooked up" a scandal to ruin his reputation."

What can I say instead of "cooked up"?

You can use alternatives like "invented", "devised", or "concocted" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the manner and intent of the creation.

Is "cooked up" formal or informal?

"Cooked up" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "formulated" or "developed" for a more professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use "cooked up" versus "invented"?

While both imply creation, "cooked up" often carries a connotation of contrivance or possible deception. "Invented" is more neutral and focuses on the act of bringing something new into existence without any negative implication. Choose "cooked up" when you want to suggest the creation was somewhat artificial or cleverly deceptive.