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: Creep In

"When self-doubt begins to creep in, remember that even the strongest oak started as a tiny acorn—nurture growth with patience."

📖 Definition

To enter slowly, gradually, or subtly, often indicating something negative or unwanted beginning to be noticed or felt.

Examples in context

As the deadline approached, stress slowly began to creep in.
Rumors began to creep in, spreading uncertainty throughout the office.
Doubts can easily creep in if not addressed early.

📖 Definition

To enter slowly, gradually, or subtly, often indicating something negative or unwanted beginning to be noticed or felt.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot be placed between 'creep' and 'in'.

Neutral

Used in both casual and more serious contexts.

Transitive

Does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	creep in	Doubt tends to creep in during difficult times.
Past Simple	crept in	Fear crept in as the storm approached.
Present Continuous	creeping in	Uncertainty is creeping in as decisions remain undecided.
Present Perfect	have crept in	Concerns have crept in after the latest news.

💡 When to Use

Experiencing gradual change

Used to explain subtle changes or feelings that gradually become noticeable.

Example: "Over time, feelings of doubt began to creep in."

Facing potential problems

Applies when negative feelings or issues start to emerge unnoticed initially.

Example: "Tensions crept in after the announcement was made."

Subtle development

Describes situations where development occurs in small, almost unnoticeable steps.

Example: "A sense of unease slowly crept in as the debate heated."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong separation

❌ Wrong: Creep doubt in over time.

✅ Correct: Doubt creeps in over time.

💡 Tip: Remember that 'creep in' is inseparable.

Wrong tense

❌ Wrong: Fear creep in when he left.

✅ Correct: Fear crept in when he left.

💡 Tip: Use the correct past tense form.

Incorrect use with object

❌ Wrong: They creep in anxiety.

✅ Correct: Anxiety crept in among them.

💡 Tip: This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.

Practice

CREEP IN - 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

As the deadline approached, stress slowly began to creep in.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

Rumors began to creep in, spreading uncertainty throughout the office.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

Doubts can easily creep in if not addressed early.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

sneak in appear

Antonyms

disappear

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"As the sun set, darkness began to ___ in."

sleep

creep in

leap

jump

In Context

During the harsh winter of 1777-1778, General George Washington and the Continental Army faced desperate conditions at Valley Forge. As supplies dwindled and morale plummeted, despair began to creep in among the troops. The harsh cold, coupled with rampant disease, reminded everyone how vulnerable they were. Despite these challenges, Washington's resolve never wavered, and he knew leadership was key to overcoming the adversities that had crept in. Throughout the winter, he worked tirelessly to instill a sense of unity and resilience. He brought in Baron von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, to train the men, hoping to instill discipline and transform them into a formidable fighting force. As weeks passed, a noticeable change began to creep in. Where there was once hopelessness, signs of determination and strength emerged. Von Steuben's drills became a source of discipline and morale, and the troops began to show remarkable improvement. By spring, the Continental Army had transformed. The despair that had crept in was replaced with hope and a renewed readiness to fight. As the army departed Valley Forge, ready for what lay ahead, Washington's strategy of perseverance and empowerment had proven that hope could creep back in just as easily as despair.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Creep In

What is the origin of creep in?

The term 'creep in' has roots in Middle English, evolving from the Old English 'crēopan', meaning to move slowly or stealthily.

Can creep in be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Creep in' is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts because it conveys a gradual or subtle entry without formality.

What is the difference between creep in and sneak in?

'Creep in' implies gradual entry without immediate notice, whereas 'sneak in' suggests secretive or unauthorized entry, often more literal.

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

CREEP IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Creep In

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega