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

The Full Guide to Using 'Take Hold'

📖 Definition

Take hold means to become established or to start having an effect. It is often used to describe ideas, movements, or emotions spreading.

Examples in context

New technologies take hold faster with younger generations.
Once fear took hold, rational thought vanished.
Cultural shifts often take hold over decades.

📖 Definition

Take hold means to become established or to start having an effect. It is often used to describe ideas, movements, or emotions spreading.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle cannot be split.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	take hold	New ideas can take hold quickly in a supportive environment.
Past Simple	took hold	His philosophy took hold in academic circles rapidly.
Present Continuous	taking hold	The message is taking hold among the local communities.
Present Perfect	taken hold	Radical politics have taken hold in certain regions recently.

💡 When to Use

When discussing new trends.

Use when talking about trends or ideas becoming popular or influential.

Example: "The minimalist lifestyle is taking hold among urban youth."

When describing emotions.

Appropriate when emotions are becoming dominant or influential over someone.

Example: "Despair took hold of him after the news."

Discussing historical events.

Useful for historical contexts when describing movements becoming influential.

Example: "Democracy took hold in the nation after the revolution."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect particle usage

❌ Wrong: Take of hold in society.

✅ Correct: Take hold in society.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'take hold' is fixed and cannot be split.

Using a direct object incorrectly

❌ Wrong: Ideas took hold the audience quickly.

✅ Correct: Ideas took hold quickly.

💡 Tip: No direct object needed after 'take hold'.

Confusing tense

❌ Wrong: It will be taking hold yesterday.

✅ Correct: It took hold yesterday.

💡 Tip: Ensure tense matches the time frame.

Practice

TAKE HOLD - 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

New technologies take hold faster with younger generations.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Once fear took hold, rational thought vanished.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Cultural shifts often take hold over decades.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

gain traction catch on

Antonyms

fade

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The new fitness trend began to ___ in the city."

take off

take hold

take over

take up

"When ideas take hold of the mind, they possess the power to change history, shaping societies and altering destinies."

In Context

In the 16th century, the Reformation era witnessed the rapid transformation of religious beliefs in Europe. When Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, a movement began to take hold that would challenge the very foundations of the Catholic Church. Luther's call for religious reform and his critiques of Church practices began to take hold among the populace, as his ideas resonated with those disillusioned by religious corruption. As word spread, pamphlets and translations of the Bible into vernacular languages began to take hold in communities across Europe. This proliferation of printed materials allowed more people to access religious texts independently. By the mid-16th century, Protestantism had taken hold firmly in regions like Germany, England, and Scandinavia, leading to conflicts that reshaped nations. This religious upheaval not only caused wars and reforms but also encouraged a wave of new thinking, ultimately contributing to the rise of modern nation-states and a shift in power dynamics. The movement's ability to take hold of people's minds and communities illustrates the profound impact a single person’s ideas can have on history, paving the way for fundamental changes in society.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Hold

What is the origin of take hold?

The phrase 'take hold' originated from Old English, where 'take' means to grasp or seize, and 'hold' indicates possession or influence. It was initially literal, meaning to physically grab something, but evolved over time to convey the establishment or influence of ideas or emotions.

Can take hold be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Take hold' is a versatile phrasal verb, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it describes the establishment of movements or ideas, while in informal situations, it might refer to emotions or trends, demonstrating its adaptability across conversations.

What is the difference between take hold and gain traction?

While both 'take hold' and 'gain traction' describe something becoming popular or influential, 'take hold' suggests a firm establishment or dominant impact, often emotional or ideological. 'Gain traction' implies gradual acceptance or momentum, typically seen in trends or innovations.

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

TAKE HOLD - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Take Hold

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega