What is the difference between 'come up with' and 'come out with'?

[Shu]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #139 "Idioms with the phrasal verb come", question 8

I was just wondering how astronomers ......... their facts when you realise just how far away the stars are.

(a) come out with
(b) come up with
(c) come along
(d) come out

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #139 "Idioms with the phrasal verb come", answer 8

I was just wondering how astronomers come up with their facts when you realise just how far away the stars are.

Correct answer: (b) come up with

Your answer was: incorrect
I was just wondering how astronomers come out with their facts when you realise just how far away the stars are.
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May I know what is the difference between' come up with' and ' come out with' ?

shu

[Alan]

Hi,

The two constructions are close in meaning but there is a difference. 'Come up with' suggests that you produce information after some consideration as in: After some considerable time spent on investigation, the police eventually came up with a possible solution to the problem. 'Come out with' suggests that you reveal information often in a sudden way/unexpected way as in: The police questioned the suspect for some hours and then suddenly he came out with the truth.

Alan
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