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

Look Ahead: Definition, Usage & Examples

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'look ahead' means to think about and plan for the future, considering potential outcomes, opportunities, and challenges.

Examples in context

It's vital to look ahead when planning for retirement.
Environmental scientists look ahead to forecast climate impacts.
Despite past success, companies must look ahead to remain competitive.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'look ahead' means to think about and plan for the future, considering potential outcomes, opportunities, and challenges.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Cannot be split by a pronoun or noun.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

It does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	look ahead	She likes to look ahead to ensure they're prepared.
Past Simple	looked ahead	They looked ahead and avoided potential troubles.
Present Continuous	looking ahead	We are looking ahead to our next project.
Present Perfect	have looked ahead	They have looked ahead and made contingencies.

💡 When to Use

Planning for future events

Use this when discussing predictions or preparations for upcoming situations, aiding in strategic foresight.

Example: "Before any major project, our team always looks ahead."

Avoiding potential problems

Use this to emphasize preventing issues by anticipating them in advance, ensuring smoother operations.

Example: "By looking ahead, we can mitigate risks effectively."

Setting long-term goals

Use this to describe the act of establishing objectives that align with future ambitions and desired outcomes.

Example: "Successful entrepreneurs often look ahead to shape their company's direction."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement in sentence

❌ Wrong: Ahead look for solutions that work.

✅ Correct: Look ahead for solutions that work.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'look ahead' is never split.

Incorrect tense use

❌ Wrong: We are looked ahead to solve issues.

✅ Correct: We looked ahead to solve issues.

💡 Tip: Ensure tense matches context for timeline clarity.

Using with direct object

❌ Wrong: Look ahead the project challenges.

✅ Correct: Look ahead to the project challenges.

💡 Tip: Never use a direct object immediately after 'look ahead'.

Practice

LOOK AHEAD - 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

It's vital to look ahead when planning for retirement.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Environmental scientists look ahead to forecast climate impacts.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Despite past success, companies must look ahead to remain competitive.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

anticipate forecast

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Successful leaders always strive to ___ the challenges and opportunities of the future."

look behind

look ahead

rush forward

linger back

"When you look ahead, the mysteries of tomorrow unfold, yet they teach you the art of patience and resilience."

In Context

In the early 20th century, as World War I unfolded, political and military leaders around the globe began to look ahead at possible outcomes and consequences. One significant figure during this time was Winston Churchill, whose foresight and strategic planning played a crucial role. In 1914, as First Lord of the Admiralty, Churchill urged his colleagues to look ahead and prepare for prolonged conflict. Despite skepticism from some quarters, he emphasized the necessity of adapting military strategy for future needs. Throughout the war, Churchill consistently encouraged his peers to look ahead and anticipate challenges that would arise, understanding that the war's outcome would reshape the future geopolitical landscape. By the time the war drew to a close in 1918, Churchill’s ability to look ahead had led to critical innovations in military tactics, including the development of the tank and naval strategies that would influence future conflicts. His foresight proved invaluable as these innovations contributed to the eventual Allied victory. Reflecting on the impact of the war, Churchill once again prompted his nation to look ahead, envisioning a future of rebuilding and international cooperation. His legacy as a leader who persistently looked ahead left an indelible mark on modern history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look Ahead

What is the origin of look ahead?

The phrase 'look ahead' combines 'look' with the adverb 'ahead', originating in the early 19th century to emphasize foresight and planning.

Can look ahead be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'look ahead' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile in various professional and casual conversations.

What is the difference between look ahead and anticipate?

While 'look ahead' implies planning for potential outcomes, 'anticipate' suggests expecting or predicting something that is likely to happen.

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

LOOK AHEAD - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look Ahead

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega