Grammar fix
think up
invent or imagine (an idea, plan, or excuse)
To create or come up with something in your mind, such as a new idea, plan, or excuse.
phrasal verbB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She had to think up a good excuse for being late to the meeting.
In my opinion, students should be encouraged to think up creative solutions to problems rather than just memorizing facts.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He thought up with an excuse.
Say: He thought up an excuse. / He came up with an excuse.
'Think up' takes the object directly (no 'with'); 'come up WITH' needs 'with'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Think up' is the everyday phrase; 'devise' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
think up + idea/excuse
- an excuse
- a plan
- an idea
- a name