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 'Bring Closer To': Definition & Usage

"To bring closer to life's mysteries is to journey within, unraveling wisdom and companionship where once isolation seemed inevitable."

📖 Definition

To bring someone or something closer to a goal, state, or destination means to advance, unite, or narrow the distance between them.

Examples in context

Her positive attitude brings the team closer to success.
Effective strategies have brought the sides closer to compromise.
The charity event brought the community closer to its fundraising target.

📖 Definition

To bring someone or something closer to a goal, state, or destination means to advance, unite, or narrow the distance between them.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between or after 'bring' and 'closer to'.

Neutral

It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	bring closer to	They bring closer to the solution every day.
Past Simple	brought closer to	Yesterday, the meeting brought closer to a resolution.
Present Continuous	bringing closer to	The negotiations are bringing closer to an agreement.
Present Perfect	have brought closer to	The developments have brought closer to achieving the goal.

💡 When to Use

Achieving a milestone

Use when describing progress towards a significant goal or achievement.

Example: "The new findings bring closer to a cure."

Resolving differences

Use when two parties are reaching consensus.

Example: "The discussion brought closer to mutual understanding."

Completing a task

Use when approaching the final stages of a task.

Example: "Finishing the report brings the project closer to completion."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Word order

❌ Wrong: They bring to closer the solution.

✅ Correct: They bring closer to the solution.

💡 Tip: Keep 'closer to' together for clarity.

Incorrect preposition

❌ Wrong: They bring closer at a solution.

✅ Correct: They bring closer to a solution.

💡 Tip: Use 'to' not 'at' with closer.

Omitting object

❌ Wrong: He brings closer to.

✅ Correct: He brings closer to the deadline.

💡 Tip: Always include a goal or target.

Practice

BRING CLOSER TO - 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

Her positive attitude brings the team closer to success.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

Effective strategies have brought the sides closer to compromise.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

The charity event brought the community closer to its fundraising target.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

advance toward move nearer to

Antonyms

diverge from

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The breakthrough research brought the scientists ___ a viable solution."

further from

bring closer to

behind

around

In Context

In the late 1960s, the Apollo space program emerged as a testament to human achievement and scientific progress. Amidst political tensions and technological challenges, the mission was designed to bring humanity closer to the moon. Engineers and scientists worked tirelessly, piecing together the intricate machinery required for such an unprecedented journey. As the launch date for Apollo 11 approached, the world watched, anticipating a historic moment that would bring closer to reality the ambitious dreams of space exploration. On July 20, 1969, millions witnessed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descend onto the moon's surface, a monumental achievement that brought us closer to understanding our place in the cosmos. The mission was not only a triumph of human ingenuity but also a symbol of peace and unity, bringing closer people from different nations in a shared sense of wonder. The legacy of Apollo 11 continues to inspire modern space travel, reminding us of the power of collective aspiration to bring closer seemingly unattainable goals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Bring Closer To

What is the origin of bring closer to?

The phrase 'bring closer to' emerged as a common English expression in the 20th century, gaining popularity in business and personal contexts to denote progress and reduction of distance, both physically and metaphorically.

Can bring closer to be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'bring closer to' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various discussions, such as business negotiations or casual conversations about personal goals.

What is the difference between bring closer to and advance toward?

'Bring closer to' often implies achieving a specific goal or resolution, while 'advance toward' indicates moving in a direction but does not guarantee reaching the end point. Both suggest progress but differ in connotation of certainty.

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

BRING CLOSER TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Bring Closer To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega