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 the Phrasal Verb 'Look Into'

📖 Definition

To look into something means to investigate or examine it thoroughly, often to gain a deeper understanding or to uncover hidden information.

Examples in context

Before making any decisions, always look into the facts thoroughly.
The team is looking into innovative ways to improve product design.
Researchers are looking into the effects of climate change on marine life.

📖 Definition

To look into something means to investigate or examine it thoroughly, often to gain a deeper understanding or to uncover hidden information.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot be placed between 'look' and 'into'.

Neutral

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to follow the phrase.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	look into	I will look into the issue tomorrow.
Past Simple	looked into	The detective looked into the case thoroughly.
Present Continuous	looking into	She is looking into the possibility of a career change.
Present Perfect	have looked into	They have looked into all available options.

💡 When to Use

Investigating a problem

Use when you need to examine or research a specific issue to find solutions or explanations.

Example: "The committee will look into the complaints submitted by the residents."

Exploring new opportunities

Apply this when considering new possibilities or directions, often requiring detailed consideration.

Example: "She is looking into pursuing a degree overseas."

Checking information

Use this phrase when verifying or validating data for accuracy or truthfulness.

Example: "I need to look into the statistics before presenting them."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'look in' instead of 'look into'

❌ Wrong: I need to look in the issue further.

✅ Correct: I need to look into the issue further.

💡 Tip: Remember, it's 'into' for investigations.

Using a separable form

❌ Wrong: I will look the problem into.

✅ Correct: I will look into the problem.

💡 Tip: Keep 'look' and 'into' together.

Misusing tense

❌ Wrong: I have look into it.

✅ Correct: I have looked into it.

💡 Tip: Use past participle 'looked' for perfect tenses.

Practice

LOOK INTO - 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

Before making any decisions, always look into the facts thoroughly.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The team is looking into innovative ways to improve product design.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Researchers are looking into the effects of climate change on marine life.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

investigate examine

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The department has promised to ___ into the matter promptly."

look at

look into

look for

look in

"To truly understand the mysteries of life, one must look into the depths of the soul with courage and curiosity."

In Context

In the late 1800s, British detective Sherlock Holmes became renowned for his ability to look into the most complex cases with unmatched precision. When the infamous Baskerville hound seemed to haunt the moors, Holmes was called upon to look into the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville. His investigation led him to look into family histories, local legends, and even the natural environment of Dartmoor. Armed with a keen eye for detail and unparalleled logical reasoning, Holmes meticulously pieced together clues, unearthing a web of deceit and terror. His process of looking into every aspect, from footprints on the moor to the psychological profile of the potential culprit, proved essential in solving the case. Through relentless pursuit and a thorough examination of all evidence, Holmes identified the villain, preserving the Baskerville estate from further danger. Holmes’s method of looking into the intertwined elements of a case paved the way for modern investigative techniques. His legendary ability to see beyond the obvious and explore hidden truths remains celebrated, inspiring generations of detectives.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look Into

What is the origin of look into?

The phrasal verb 'look into' has its origins in the English language around the 17th century. It combines the verb 'look' with the preposition 'into' to form a verb phrase, used metaphorically to mean examining or investigating something in detail.

Can look into be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'look into' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is widely accepted in professional settings when referring to investigations and inquiries, as well as in casual conversations when discussing personal matters or interests.

What is the difference between look into and examine?

'Look into' and 'examine' are similar, but 'look into' is more casual and often used for initial investigations. 'Examine' is slightly more formal, implying a thorough, detailed analysis. 'Look into' is often preferred when exploring possibilities, while 'examine' is used for in-depth evaluations.

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 INTO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look Into

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega