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 'Cross Paths'

"When souls cross paths, they exchange lessons invisible yet enduring, like whispers of wind that shape the mighty oak over time."

📖 Definition

To 'cross paths' means to meet or encounter someone, by chance or unexpectedly. It can refer to direct or indirect interactions.

Examples in context

We crossed paths just outside the museum on a rainy afternoon.
During our travels, we have crossed paths with many interesting locals.
In a small town, you are likely to cross paths with familiar faces.

📖 Definition

To 'cross paths' means to meet or encounter someone, by chance or unexpectedly. It can refer to direct or indirect interactions.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle must stay together in this phrasal form.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object immediately after it.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	cross paths	They often cross paths during their morning jogs.
Past Simple	crossed paths	We crossed paths at the conference last year.
Present Continuous	crossing paths	The two travelers are constantly crossing paths.
Present Perfect	have crossed paths	The rivals have crossed paths several times before.

💡 When to Use

Accidental meetings

Use when someone meets another unexpectedly. It highlights the unplanned nature of the encounter.

Example: "I crossed paths with an old friend at the market."

Recurring encounters

Use when referring to meetings that happen multiple times by chance. Emphasizes frequency.

Example: "Throughout my travels, I have often crossed paths with the same nomads."

Reflecting on fate

Use when contemplating how life brings people together for unknown reasons.

Example: "It seems we cross paths right when we need to."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition use

❌ Wrong: We crossed on paths at the station.

✅ Correct: We crossed paths at the station.

💡 Tip: Remember, paths are crossed, not on.

Reversing order

❌ Wrong: Paths crossed we at the event.

✅ Correct: We crossed paths at the event.

💡 Tip: Always start with the subject.

Incorrect verb tense

❌ Wrong: We will cross path tomorrow.

✅ Correct: We will cross paths tomorrow.

💡 Tip: Use 'paths' for plural consistency.

Practice

CROSS PATHS - 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

We crossed paths just outside the museum on a rainy afternoon.
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2
Listen to example

During our travels, we have crossed paths with many interesting locals.
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3
Listen to example

In a small town, you are likely to cross paths with familiar faces.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

meet encounter

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"When hiking, we often ___ paths with other adventurers."

crosses

cross paths

crossed on

cross to

In Context

In the 19th century, on a stormy night in 1815, two future historical giants unknowingly crossed paths in Brussels. Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, was busy preparing his troops for the coming Battle of Waterloo. Meanwhile, a little-known French soldier named Augustin Marmont also found himself in Brussels. Marmont, under Napoleon's command, was part of the advancing forces aiming to restore France's glory. As fate would have it, their paths crossed indirectly through letters exchanged by spies informing Wellington of the strategic positions of Napoleon’s army. This crucial intelligence, which Wellington received just as he was formulating his strategies in Brussels, played a significant role in his victory over Napoleon. Years later, Marmont, in his memoirs, reflected on how his life and those of his contemporaries frequently crossed paths with history itself, marking pivotal moments in their destinies. Wellington and Marmont never met face to face on the battlefield, but their decisions and movements during those critical hours inevitably led to indirect intersections. Wellington went on to cement his place in history as the victor at Waterloo, while Marmont’s reputation faced the scrutiny of defeat. Thus, crossing paths became a metaphorical exercise in their lives, illustrating the unforeseen impacts of such encounters.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Cross Paths

What is the origin of cross paths?

The phrase 'cross paths' derives from the notion of two paths intersecting, symbolizing unexpected encounters. First used in 19th-century English literature, it has since evolved to depict chance meetings in various contexts, from daily life to dramatic narratives.

Can cross paths be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Cross paths' is a neutral phrase applicable to both formal and informal settings. It suits professional discussions about encounters at conferences, as well as casual catch-ups describing sudden meetings with friends or acquaintances.

What is the difference between cross paths and meet?

While 'cross paths' often implies chance and spontaneity, 'meet' can refer to both planned and unexpected encounters. 'Cross paths' suggests an element of fate or unexpected interaction, whereas 'meet' is more general regarding the nature of the encounter.

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

CROSS PATHS - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Cross Paths

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega