2 MARCH 1996, Page 30

Come-down

Sir: Come up with: I have written before about the use of this sloppy, 'pop', unthink- ing usage. There are nearly 20 alternative transitive verbs of standard English convey- ing the same meaning, or nearly so, accord- ing to context.

Your latest example, on page 6 of the 24 February issue, is: 'The Government came up with the idea of giving mad people. . . . '

The Government proposed, or suggested, or arranged, or ordered. . . .

But keep trying.

David Caldicott

Ashlawn, Mid Coltfield Alves, Elgin