Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Drain Out': Definition & Usage

📖 Definition

To cause liquid or emotion to leave completely. It can refer to both tangible and intangible aspects, often implying depletion or exhaustion.

Examples in context

After the arduous trek, all his stamina had drained out by the evening.
The swamp was completely drained out to reclaim land for agriculture.
Despite the challenges, his perseverance ensured that hope never drained out entirely.

📖 Definition

To cause liquid or emotion to leave completely. It can refer to both tangible and intangible aspects, often implying depletion or exhaustion.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can appear between 'drain' and 'out'.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object, either physical or metaphorical.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	drain out	The excitement tends to drain out quickly after the initial thrill.
Past Simple	drained out	All the energy drained out as the day wore on.
Present Continuous	draining out	Water is draining out of the sink slowly.
Present Perfect	have drained out	My joy seemed to have drained out completely after the news.

💡 When to Use

Dealing with exhaustion

Use when describing a situation where energy or enthusiasm is diminishing completely, often unexpectedly.

Example: "After the long meeting, my motivation just drained out."

Liquid removal

Refers to the process of liquid leaving a container or area, typically completely and often intentionally.

Example: "The mechanic ensured all the old oil was drained out."

Emotional fatigue

Appropriate for describing situations where emotions are felt to be leaving someone, leaving a void.

Example: "The constant barrage of criticism drained out his confidence."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb usage

❌ Wrong: The fun is drained out the party.

✅ Correct: The fun has drained out of the party.

💡 Tip: Remember to use the correct tense and preposition.

Confusing transitive/intransitive

❌ Wrong: She drained out her energy.

✅ Correct: Her energy drained out quickly.

💡 Tip: Ensure the subject undergoes the action alone.

Omitting an object

❌ Wrong: They will drain out if bored.

✅ Correct: Their enthusiasm will drain out if bored.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is draining out.

Practice

DRAIN OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

After the arduous trek, all his stamina had drained out by the evening.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The swamp was completely drained out to reclaim land for agriculture.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Despite the challenges, his perseverance ensured that hope never drained out entirely.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

empty out exhaust

Antonyms

fill up

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"As the day progressed, their excitement ___ quickly."

drain

drain out

draines

droinen

"When life's difficulties seem endless, remember to let fear and doubt drain out, leaving space for hope and courage."

In Context

In the late 1700s, Benjamin Franklin faced numerous challenges when attempting to establish a public library in Philadelphia. Funds were scarce, and the enthusiasm for education was draining out as priorities shifted toward survival in a growing young nation. Franklin, never one to be discouraged, spearheaded fundraising campaigns and garnered support from influential figures. As resources continued to drain out, he enlisted the help of fellow intellectuals, creating a society that would exchange books, a precursor to the public library system known today. By cleverly navigating financial shortfalls and continuously promoting the value of shared knowledge, Franklin managed to keep the passion for learning alive. In time, the consistent efforts of Franklin and his peers paid off, and the library flourished, ultimately becoming the Library Company of Philadelphia. Regarded as a cornerstone of American history, this institution exemplifies how vision and tenacity can replenish what was once thought to be draining out, turning a struggle into a triumph that serves generations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Drain Out

What is the origin of drain out?

The phrasal verb 'drain out' has its roots in Old English, with 'drain' meaning to draw off and 'out' implying completion, often relating to liquids.

Can drain out be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Drain out' can be used in both contexts. In formal writing, it often describes physical processes, while in informal speech, it may describe emotions.

What is the difference between drain out and empty out?

'Drain out' implies a gradual or complete removal of liquid or emotion, while 'empty out' can refer to removing any contents, not just liquid.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

DRAIN OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Drain Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega