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 'Watch Out'

📖 Definition

To be on one's guard or to be careful, especially in situations where danger, risk, or misunderstanding might be present.

Examples in context

Watch out for the slippery floor after the rain; you could easily fall.
As they climbed the mountain, they were told to watch out for loose stones.
The city warned residents to watch out for traffic disruptions due to roadwork.

📖 Definition

To be on one's guard or to be careful, especially in situations where danger, risk, or misunderstanding might be present.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object does not come between the words.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	watch out	We need to watch out for falling rocks on this trail.
Past Simple	watched out	They watched out for pickpockets during their trip to the busy bazaar.
Present Continuous	watching out	The guard is watching out for any suspicious activity around the premises.
Present Perfect	have watched out	They have watched out for each other's safety since the incident.

💡 When to Use

In risky situations

Use when alertness and caution are needed due to potential dangers or risks in the environment.

Example: "Watch out for icy patches while driving today."

Unexpected occurrences

Use when something unforeseen might happen requiring attention or care to avoid harm.

Example: "Watch out for sudden weather changes while hiking."

General warnings

Use to give a general warning about potential harm, danger, or errors to others.

Example: "Watch out for phishing emails in your inbox."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: He watch out for the traffic.

✅ Correct: He watched out for the traffic.

💡 Tip: Ensure past actions use past tense.

Separation

❌ Wrong: Watch for falling rocks out.

✅ Correct: Watch out for falling rocks.

💡 Tip: Do not separate the verb; it’s inseparable.

Missing preposition

❌ Wrong: Watch out the kids.

✅ Correct: Watch out for the kids.

💡 Tip: Always use 'for' when specifying what to watch out.

Practice

WATCH 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

Watch out for the slippery floor after the rain; you could easily fall.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

As they climbed the mountain, they were told to watch out for loose stones.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The city warned residents to watch out for traffic disruptions due to roadwork.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

beware mind

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"You should ___ out for unexpected announcements today."

watch

watch out

mind

ignore

"Watch out, for the biggest dangers often hide behind the facade of mundane tasks and everyday encounters in life."

In Context

In the late 13th century, during the tumultuous times of the Scottish Wars of Independence, the iconic figure William Wallace led a raid against the English. Known for his strategic brilliance, Wallace always reminded his men to watch out for the enemy’s treacherous moves. During one of their marches through Ayrshire, they found themselves on precarious ground. Wallace, with his keen senses, instructed his scouts to watch out for signs of an ambush. His foresight proved invaluable. As they neared a narrow pass, an ambush was indeed waiting, but Wallace’s men were prepared. They quickly outmaneuvered their foes, turning the trap into an opportunity for a victorious counterattack. Wallace’s consistent notion to watch out not only ensured fewer losses but also boosted the morale of his troops. This vigilance won him many battles and the loyalty of his men. As the skirmish ended, Wallace reminded his comrades once again to watch out for future threats, knowing that their struggle for freedom was far from over. His legacy teaches that vigilance is indispensable, especially in times of war and peace.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Watch Out

What is the origin of watch out?

The phrase 'watch out' dates back to the 17th century, derived from the Middle English 'wacian' which means to heed or be awake.

Can watch out be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Watch out' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to warn or advise caution.

What is the difference between watch out and beware?

While both imply caution, 'watch out' is often more casual and used in everyday contexts; 'beware' has a more formal or serious tone.

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

WATCH OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Watch Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega