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

Mastering 'Dig Up': Meaning, Usage, and Examples

"To dig up the past is to uncover truths that may illuminate or haunt the present, reminding us of our history's lessons."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'dig up' means to uncover or discover something that was hidden, often referring to physical objects, information, or memories.

Examples in context

The researcher dug up crucial documents from the archives that changed our understanding of the event.
To renovate the garden, they dug up the old rose bushes and replanted new ones.
Journalists often dig up stories that have been buried for years to bring truth to light.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'dig up' means to uncover or discover something that was hidden, often referring to physical objects, information, or memories.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'dig' and 'up' or after 'up'.

Informal

Commonly used in casual or conversational language.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object; you dig up something.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	dig up	They dig up evidence about ancient civilizations.
Past Simple	dug up	She dug up information on her ancestor's life.
Present Continuous	digging up	He is digging up the garden for planting.
Present Perfect	have dug up	We have dug up several old photographs from the attic.

💡 When to Use

Researching historical events

Use 'dig up' when referring to finding information or details about past events through research.

Example: "Historians often dig up fascinating facts about ancient empires."

Uncovering forgotten objects

Applied when physically unearthing objects, like fossils or artifacts, usually from the ground or storage.

Example: "They dug up the old coins from their backyard."

Revisiting old memories

Utilize 'dig up' when someone recalls or discusses past experiences, emotions, or memories.

Example: "Talking about the trip dug up some lovely memories."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect placement of object

❌ Wrong: He dug yesterday up all the files.

✅ Correct: He dug up all the files yesterday.

💡 Tip: Always place the object either between 'dig' and 'up' or after 'up'.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: She dig up old letters last week.

✅ Correct: She dug up old letters last week.

💡 Tip: Use 'dug' for past actions; remember 'dug' is the past form.

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: I will dig up soon.

✅ Correct: I will dig up the documents soon.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is being dug up.

Practice

DIG UP - 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 researcher dug up crucial documents from the archives that changed our understanding of the event.
Tiny Houses Hub: Digital Revolution
2
Listen to example

To renovate the garden, they dug up the old rose bushes and replanted new ones.
Tiny Houses Hub: Digital Revolution
3
Listen to example

Journalists often dig up stories that have been buried for years to bring truth to light.
Tiny Houses Hub: Digital Revolution

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

unearth discover

Antonyms

bury

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The reporter managed to ___ crucial facts about the case."

cover up

dig up

put down

bury

In Context

In the 1920s, archaeologist Howard Carter embarked on a quest to dig up the lost tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun. His perseverance bore fruit in 1922, when Carter and his team unearthed a hidden step at the Valley of the Kings, leading them to the sealed door of the tomb. This remarkable discovery thrilled the world, as it had remained untouched for over 3,000 years. As they began to dig up artifacts of extraordinary beauty and historical significance, Carter and his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, grasped the enormity of their find. The tomb housed treasures beyond imagination, providing insights into the rich culture and opulence of ancient Egypt. The press soon flocked to the site, eager to dig up more stories and photographs, as the world anxiously awaited each revelation from the depths of history. However, the discovery also sparked debates over artifact ownership and preservation, with Egypt seeking to reclaim its heritage. Despite controversies, Carter's efforts to dig up the past ultimately transformed archaeology, popularizing it and encouraging future explorations. His dedication set in motion an era of renewed interest in uncovering historical treasures, reshaping our understanding of Egyptian antiquity.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Dig Up

What is the origin of dig up?

The phrasal verb 'dig up' originates from the literal action of excavating or unearthing something buried, often used metaphorically in English to describe uncovering information or memories.

Can dig up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Dig up' is typically informal but can appear in neutral or formal contexts when discussing investigative activities or historical research, adding a metaphorical twist to writing.

What is the difference between dig up and unearth?

While both mean to discover or uncover, 'dig up' often implies active searching or effort, whereas 'unearth' suggests a more passive or accidental discovery.

Browse All Tiny House 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

DIG UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Dig Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega