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 'Go Off': Uses and Examples

"When passions go off with unrestrained fervor, notice if they lead you towards enlightenment or entrapment, determining your path forward."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'go off' has multiple meanings including, but not limited to, exploding, starting to ring, or leaving a place for a purpose. It can also mean to happen successfully, especially in events or plans.

Examples in context

The security alarm went off, alerting everyone in the building immediately.
As the clock struck twelve, fireworks went off, lighting up the night sky.
During the power outage, backup generators automatically went off.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle cannot be divided.

Neutral

Used in both spoken and written English.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	go off	The alarm goes off at 7 AM every morning.
Past Simple	went off	The firework went off with a loud bang.
Present Continuous	going off	The security alarms were going off all night.
Present Perfect	have gone off	Many alarms have gone off in the past week due to technical issues.

💡 When to Use

Alarm or device activation

Use when a device, like an alarm or bell, starts making noise or functioning.

Example: "Every morning, my alarm goes off at 6:30 AM."

Explosions

Use when referring to something detonating, such as fireworks or bombs.

Example: "The fireworks went off at midnight, marking the new year."

Events happening

Use when an event occurs successfully, often unexpectedly.

Example: "Despite the rain, the outdoor party went off without any problems."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Transitive confusion

❌ Wrong: We go off the alarm.

✅ Correct: The alarm goes off.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'go off' doesn't need a direct object.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: The bomb goes off yesterday.

✅ Correct: The bomb went off yesterday.

💡 Tip: Match verb tense to the sentence context.

Incorrect usage with plans

❌ Wrong: The meeting will go off next week.

✅ Correct: The meeting is going ahead next week.

💡 Tip: Use 'go ahead' for scheduled future events.

Practice

GO OFF - 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 security alarm went off, alerting everyone in the building immediately.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

As the clock struck twelve, fireworks went off, lighting up the night sky.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

During the power outage, backup generators automatically went off.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

ringer sound detonate

Antonyms

stay silent

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The fire alarm ___ without warning, causing a state of panic."

went on

go off

stayed off

turned down

In Context

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere embarked on his famous ride, a pivotal moment during the American Revolution. The night was still when he set out to warn the colonial militia of the British forces approaching Lexington and Concord. As Revere rode through the quiet town of Medford, he roused the local patriots. The church bells began to go off one after another, signaling the immediate danger. Lanterns flickered in windows as the entire community prepared to resist. The urgency in Revere's voice as he shouted warnings was crucial, ensuring the message would go off without a hitch. Unlike other messengers, Revere's charisma and connections allowed his alerts to effectively rally colonial forces. As dawn broke, the troops were ready, having been forewarned of the British strategy. His words brought life to what could have been an unnoticed incursion. The encounter went off just as Revere hoped, with the Americans resisting and forcing the British to retreat. Revere's ability to make sure his warning went off successfully became an iconic moment in history, highlighting the importance of communication and community in times of strife. His courageous act cemented his legacy, as the events of that night played a crucial role in the early stages of the Revolutionary War.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Go Off

What is the origin of go off?

The phrasal verb 'go off' originates from Middle English where 'go' meant to move, and 'off' indicated leaving. It evolved to symbolize a range of departures or activations.

Can go off be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'go off' is neutral and suits both formal and informal settings. It describes alarm activations and events efficiently across varied communication.

What is the difference between go off and ringer sound?

'Go off' implies action or occurrence, often sudden. 'Ringer sound' specifically describes the noise aspect, focusing on sensory experience rather than action.

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

GO OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Go Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega