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 'Smooth Over'

"In times of conflict, it's wise to smooth over differences to nurture understanding and cultivate harmonious relationships in our diverse world."

📖 Definition

To smooth over means to make a disagreement or problem seem less serious or more acceptable by calming or placating involved parties.

Examples in context

During the meeting, Alice worked hard to smooth over the misunderstandings among the team members.
The diplomat successfully smoothed over relations between the two countries after months of tension.
Parents often need to smooth over sibling rivalries to maintain peace at home.

📖 Definition

To smooth over means to make a disagreement or problem seem less serious or more acceptable by calming or placating involved parties.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can insert an object between the verb and particle.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object; you must have something to smooth over.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	smooth over	They try to smooth over the argument.
Past Simple	smoothed over	She smoothed over the disagreement yesterday.
Present Continuous	smoothing over	I am smoothing over the conflicts right now.
Present Perfect	have smoothed over	We have smoothed over our differences already.

💡 When to Use

During a dispute resolution

Use when addressing disputes by minimizing tension to promote understanding and conciliation among parties involved.

Example: "We need to smooth over this issue before it escalates."

In workplace disagreements

Apply when mediating conflicts among colleagues to maintain a peaceful and productive work environment.

Example: "The manager smoothed over the disagreement between the teams."

In diplomatic negotiations

Effective in international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and maintain cordial international relations.

Example: "The ambassador worked hard to smooth over the diplomatic crisis."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using in intransitive form

❌ Wrong: The situation will smooth over.

✅ Correct: He will smooth over the situation.

💡 Tip: Always include the object being resolved.

Incorrect particle usage

❌ Wrong: They smooth down the conflict.

✅ Correct: They smooth over the conflict.

💡 Tip: Remember, it’s 'smooth over', not 'smooth down'.

Misplacement of object

❌ Wrong: Smooth over it the problem.

✅ Correct: Smooth it over.

💡 Tip: Place the object between 'smooth' and 'over'.

Practice

SMOOTH OVER - 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

During the meeting, Alice worked hard to smooth over the misunderstandings among the team members.
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2
Listen to example

The diplomat successfully smoothed over relations between the two countries after months of tension.
Alternative Communities Hub
3
Listen to example

Parents often need to smooth over sibling rivalries to maintain peace at home.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

pacify reconcile

Antonyms

aggravate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The manager tried to ___ the conflict between departments."

smooth up

smooth over

smooth past

smooth through

In Context

In 1797, George Washington faced a daunting task as the nascent United States navigated its early years. Political factions clashed fiercely over the formation of the nation's financial systems. Federalists and Democratic-Republicans were at odds, threatening the young republic's stability. Washington, as the country's first president, managed to smooth over these tensions through astute leadership and diplomacy. He hosted private dinners with influential figures from both parties, encouraging them to focus on common goals. These gatherings, set against the elegant backdrop of Mount Vernon, provided an informal space to smooth over ideological differences. Washington’s approach was not about eliminating disagreements but finding balance and promoting dialogue, smoothing over potential clashes that could derail the political process. His leadership during this time helped lay the foundation for a resilient democratic system that could withstand internal pressures. By smoothing over these divisive issues, Washington ensured that pragmatic compromise prevailed over partisan strife. His ability to mediate tensions and foster a sense of unity among diverse political interests remains a testament to the art of diplomacy. Washington's legacy is not only his political achievements but his skill in taking difficult situations and smoothing them over for the greater good.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Smooth Over

What is the origin of smooth over?

The phrase 'smooth over' likely originates from the idea of smoothing a rough surface, metaphorically applied to easing disagreements in language from the 16th century.

Can smooth over be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'smooth over' is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, making it versatile for diplomatic, workplace, and personal contexts.

What is the difference between smooth over and pacify?

'Smooth over' involves actively working through disagreements, whereas 'pacify' implies calming someone down, often without addressing underlying issues.

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

SMOOTH OVER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Smooth Over

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega