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 'Close In On': Usage and Examples

📖 Definition

To gradually advance towards someone or something from all directions, reducing the area in which they can move or escape.

Examples in context

The company is closing in on a major breakthrough in renewable energy.
As night fell, darkness began to close in on the small village.
The hunters were careful as they quietly closed in on their target.

📖 Definition

To gradually advance towards someone or something from all directions, reducing the area in which they can move or escape.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle cannot be separated in this phrasal verb.

Neutral

This can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	close in on	The wolves close in on their prey.
Past Simple	closed in on	The search party closed in on the missing hikers last night.
Present Continuous	closing in on	The fog is closing in on the coastline.
Present Perfect	have closed in on	We have closed in on the suspect after days of searching.

💡 When to Use

Describing encirclement

Use when talking about people or things surrounding someone from all sides, restricting movement.

Example: "The soldiers were closing in on the enemy camp."

Approaching completion

Use in contexts where you are nearing the completion or resolution of a task or goal.

Example: "She is closing in on her goal of writing a novel."

Hunting metaphorically

Can be used metaphorically to describe the pursuit or tracking of someone/something.

Example: "Detectives are closing in on the fugitive."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misuse as transitive

❌ Wrong: The dogs closed in on him the rabbit.

✅ Correct: The dogs closed in on the rabbit.

💡 Tip: Remember it can't take a direct object.

Incorrect register

❌ Wrong: The storm was closing in on real fast.

✅ Correct: The storm was closing in on rapidly.

💡 Tip: Maintain appropriate verb forms and adverbs.

Separation error

❌ Wrong: The team closed the criminals in on.

✅ Correct: The team closed in on the criminals.

💡 Tip: Keep the phrasal verb intact.

Practice

CLOSE IN ON - 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 company is closing in on a major breakthrough in renewable energy.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

As night fell, darkness began to close in on the small village.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The hunters were careful as they quietly closed in on their target.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

encroach upon move in on

Antonyms

disperse

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"As dusk fell, uncertainty began to ___ the travelers."

close over

close in on

close out

close up

"As time and circumstances close in on us, we must find resilience in adaptability and wisdom in perspective."

In Context

In 1944, the Allied forces were determined to liberate Paris from Nazi occupation. As they prepared, the German army tightened its grip on the city, fortifying key positions. General Charles de Gaulle communicated secretly with the Resistance, knowing the importance of timing as the Allies were closing in on the city. Meanwhile, German forces, aware that the Allies were close in on advancing, increased patrols and crackdowns in an attempt to maintain control. On August 19, the French Resistance initiated an uprising, creating chaos. Five days later, as Allied forces finally closed in on the outskirts, the German generals realized their defences would not hold. The deciding confrontation commenced on August 25. The Allies, with Resistance support, overpowered the remaining German troops. By evening, Paris was liberated. De Gaulle exuberantly marched down the Champs-Élysées, declaring Paris free once again. That moment symbolized resilience and heralded the collapse of German occupation in France. The Allies' strategy to close in on Paris, coupled with local resistance efforts, played a pivotal role in liberating the city, marking a turning point in WWII.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Close In On

What is the origin of close in on?

The phrase 'close in on' originated in military contexts, describing maneuvers in which forces surrounded the enemy to restrict movement.

Can close in on be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'close in on' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile expression for various scenarios.

What is the difference between close in on and encroach upon?

'Close in on' typically suggests a complete surround, whereas 'encroach upon' indicates gradual invasion or infringement on space or rights.

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

CLOSE IN ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Close In On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega