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: Rule Out

📖 Definition

To rule out means to eliminate possibilities or options by determining them as impossible or unsuitable. It is often used when making decisions.

Examples in context

The committee ruled out all non-viable projects during the meeting.
After further analysis, the engineer ruled out faulty wiring as the cause.
Given the facts, ruling out accidental causes was prudent for the inspector.

📖 Definition

To rule out means to eliminate possibilities or options by determining them as impossible or unsuitable. It is often used when making decisions.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'rule' and 'out' or after 'out'.

Neutral

Commonly used in everyday and professional contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	rule out	Doctors rule out infection as the cause of symptoms.
Past Simple	ruled out	She ruled out traveling during the pandemic.
Present Continuous	ruling out	They are ruling out all other outcomes.
Present Perfect	have ruled out	We have ruled out several possibilities already.

💡 When to Use

Eliminating possibilities

Use when deciding certain possibilities are impossible, invalid, or unsuitable in a context.

Example: "The investigator ruled out robbery based on the evidence."

Medical diagnosis exclusion

Utilized in medical settings to indicate eliminating diseases from consideration.

Example: "The tests helped the doctor rule out appendicitis."

Decision process refinement

Employed during decision-making to narrow down options by invalidating unlikely scenarios.

Example: "We ruled out moving due to high expense."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: They rule the problem out quickly.

✅ Correct: They rule out the problem quickly.

💡 Tip: Place the object after 'out' for clarity.

Using in incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: He rules outed the solution yesterday.

✅ Correct: He ruled out the solution yesterday.

💡 Tip: Use past tense 'ruled out' for past actions.

Incorrect prepositional use

❌ Wrong: She ruled over the idea.

✅ Correct: She ruled out the idea.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'rule out,' not 'rule over.'

Practice

RULE 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

The committee ruled out all non-viable projects during the meeting.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

After further analysis, the engineer ruled out faulty wiring as the cause.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Given the facts, ruling out accidental causes was prudent for the inspector.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

eliminate dismiss

Antonyms

include

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The manager was quick to ___ out any unreasonable suggestions."

rule over

rule out

rule in

rule about

"In life's journey, always keep an open mind, for ruling out possibilities may close doors to unexpected opportunities and growth."

In Context

In the late 19th century, physicist Albert A. Michelson and chemist Edward W. Morley embarked on a groundbreaking experiment to measure the Earth's velocity through the ether, a theoretical medium for the propagation of light. Their intention was to confirm the existence of ether, which scientists of that time deemed crucial for understanding the nature of light. The Michelson-Morley experiment, however, produced unexpected results. Despite meticulously adjusting their apparatus and repeating measurements, they consistently ruled out any significant difference in the speed of light, regardless of the Earth's movement through space. This outcome was contrary to the prevailing scientific beliefs. As their work gained attention, the implications became significant. Scientists worldwide had to rule out the ether concept as an explanation for light's behavior. This profound shift laid the foundation for Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, which transformed the landscape of modern physics by introducing the idea that the speed of light is constant and independent of any medium. Thus, ruling out the ether paved the way for new scientific ideas, demonstrating the critical nature of questioning assumptions and embracing unexpected results in the pursuit of knowledge.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Rule Out

What is the origin of rule out?

The term 'rule out' has roots in the early 20th century, emerging from the administrative and organizational processes associated with eliminating options.

Can rule out be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Rule out' is versatile as a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, often used in professional settings for decision-making.

What is the difference between rule out and eliminate?

While 'rule out' suggests eliminating as a possibility, 'eliminate' is broader, meaning complete removal, often finalizing the absence of something.

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

RULE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Rule Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega