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 'Stretch Out'

📖 Definition

To stretch out means to extend the body or an object to full length, or to prolong time or effort over a period to achieve a goal.

Examples in context

After a long flight, I love to stretch out on the couch at home.
The marathon needed them to stretch out their endurance levels.
To calm her nerves, she would stretch out with a book under a tree.

📖 Definition

To stretch out means to extend the body or an object to full length, or to prolong time or effort over a period to achieve a goal.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'stretch' and 'out'.

Neutral

Used comfortably in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to receive the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	stretch out	They stretch out their arms to embrace the sunlight.
Past Simple	stretched out	She stretched out the meeting to cover all the topics.
Present Continuous	stretching out	He's stretching out his comfort zone by trying new activities.
Present Perfect	have stretched out	We have stretched out the project over two weeks to ensure quality.

💡 When to Use

Extending time

Use when referring to prolonging a period or event to achieve detailed discussion or enjoyment.

Example: "They decided to stretch out the presentation to cover all the main points."

Physical extension

Use when describing extending one's limbs or body to relax or reach something.

Example: "After the long hike, we stretched out on the grass to relax."

Expanding effort or influence

Use to describe extending one's efforts or influence beyond usual limits.

Example: "The organization is stretching out its resources to aid more communities."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: He strech out his legs.

✅ Correct: He stretched out his legs.

💡 Tip: Remember to double-check irregular verb forms.

Omitting object

❌ Wrong: They were stretching out for hours.

✅ Correct: They were stretching out their work for hours.

💡 Tip: Always include an object with 'stretch out'.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: We stretch out yesterday morning.

✅ Correct: We stretched out yesterday morning.

💡 Tip: Ensure verb tense matches the time frame.

Practice

STRETCH 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 a long flight, I love to stretch out on the couch at home.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The marathon needed them to stretch out their endurance levels.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

To calm her nerves, she would stretch out with a book under a tree.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

extend elongate

Antonyms

contract

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Every morning, she likes to ___ out her arms to welcome the day."

scream

stretch out

laugh

think

"The wise never fail to stretch out their understanding, for the world reveals itself to those who are open to its expanse."

In Context

In 1937, Amelia Earhart, the renowned aviatrix, embarked on her courageous attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Her journey was one that aimed to stretch out the boundaries of aviation and inspire countless women in the process. As she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, left Miami on June 1st, they followed a carefully planned route, each leg designed to stretch out the reach of human flight. They traversed South America, Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Islands, each stop adding miles to their record-breaking attempt. Their historic journey captivated the world, stretching out the limits of what seemed humanly possible. Tragically, on July 2nd, while attempting to stretch out their flight across the Pacific from Lae, New Guinea to Howland Island, they disappeared. Despite extensive search efforts, neither Earhart nor her plane were ever found. Her legacy, however, was not lost; it continued to stretch out over the years, inspiring future generations to pursue their own adventures fearlessly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stretch Out

What is the origin of stretch out?

The phrasal verb 'stretch out' originates from Old English 'streccan', meaning to make something longer. 'Out' enhances the sense of expansion.

Can stretch out be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Stretch out' is versatile and can be used in both formal contexts, such as in business or academia, and informal settings like casual conversation.

What is the difference between stretch out and extend?

'Stretch out' often implies physical or leisurely extension, while 'extend' is more formal and can refer to time, physical space, or influence.

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

STRETCH OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stretch Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega