dream up

USAGE SUMMARY

"dream up" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to mean to devise or invent something, often something creative or imaginative. For example, you could say, "John dreamed up a unique solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You could dream up any number of such sweeping initiatives.

The New York Times

Did Einstein dream up his theories at night?

The New York Times - Arts

Or dream up impeccable furniture, as Jasper Morrison has.

The New York Times

Not every pollution restriction that environmentalists dream up makes sense.

The Washington Post

Could he dream up a Scotland Street tour for me?

The Guardian - Books

It's one thing to dream up original ideas.

Harvard Business Review

The council didn't just dream up the idea, either.

The New York Times

"You can't dream up a new title overnight," he said.

The Guardian

A Hollywood screenwriter couldn't dream up a better narrative.

The Guardian - Opinion

She cringes: "Actors dream up so many things about cops.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It didn't leave you thinking about cultural appropriation or what-would-she-dream-up-next.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place the object of the verb between "dream" and "up" if it is a short pronoun to maintain a natural flow (e.g. "he dreamed it up").

Common error

Do not use "dream up" when you simply mean to have a desire or a literal dream during sleep. Use "dream of" or "dream about" for aspirations and sleep experiences. "dream up" requires an active effort of invention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dream up" functions as a transitive phrasal verb. According to Ludwig, it typically takes a direct object, representing the idea, plan or story being invented. It is separable, meaning the object can often sit between the two words, particularly when it is a pronoun (e.g. "she dreamed it up"). The particle "up" adds a sense of completion or emergence from the mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki & General

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "dream up" is a highly effective and versatile phrasal verb used to describe the act of inventing or imagining something new. Ludwig AI data confirms that it is favored by high-quality journalistic sources like The New York Times and The Economist to describe creative breakthroughs. It differs from "dream of" by focusing on the active creation of an idea rather than a passive desire. While largely neutral, it adds a layer of imaginative flair to writing that more clinical synonyms like "devise" lack. Writers should feel confident using it in journalistic, professional and creative contexts to describe the birth of an original concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come up with

More neutral and used for any kind of solution or idea, not necessarily an imaginative one.

think up

Nearly identical but lacks the specific connotation of "dreaming" or whimsy.

concoct

Often used for complex stories, excuses or mixtures, sometimes implying deception.

cook up

An informal alternative that often suggests a hint of mischief or fabrication.

devise

More formal and suggests a structured, intellectual process of planning.

hatch

Specifically used for plans or plots, often those created in secret.

fabricate

Usually carries a negative connotation of creating something false or fraudulent.

formulate

Technical and precise, focusing on the development of a systematic theory or plan.

brainstorm

Focuses on the rapid, collaborative generation of multiple ideas.

conceive

A formal term emphasizing the initial moment of an idea being born in the mind.

FAQs

What is the difference between "dream up" and "think up"?

While both mean to invent an idea, "dream up" suggests a higher degree of imagination or whimsy, whereas "think up" is more grounded and general.

Can I say "dream up a solution"?

Yes, it is a very common and correct way to describe inventing a solution, especially one that is clever or non-obvious. You could also use "come up with a solution" for a more neutral tone.

Is "dream up" too informal for business writing?

It is widely accepted in business journalism, as seen in sources like Forbes and Harvard Business Review. However, for highly formal reports, you might prefer "devise" or "formulate".

What is a more formal way to say "dream up"?

Depending on the context, you can use "conceive", "devise" or "originate" to describe the creation of an idea in a more professional register.