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 'Come From'

"Wisdom comes from experience, but understanding where you come from brings deeper insights into life's journey."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come from' indicates the origin or source of something or someone, referring to place, influence, or background.

Examples in context

Many of the world's greatest inventions come from simple ideas.
My passion for science comes from my father's encouragement.
Understanding where we come from can shape our future decisions.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come from' indicates the origin or source of something or someone, referring to place, influence, or background.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrase cannot be split by other words.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object to specify the origin.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	come from	Where do you come from?
Past Simple	came from	She came from a small village.
Present Continuous	coming from	He is always talking about coming from a city.
Present Perfect	have come from	They have come from a diverse background.

💡 When to Use

Discussing origin

Used when identifying where a person or thing originates, culturally or geographically.

Example: "His accent suggests he comes from the north."

Explaining influence

Useful for describing the source of ideas, values, or influences.

Example: "Her passion for painting comes from her mother."

Describing background

Pertinent in context where one's historical or social background is relevant.

Example: "The rich culture he embodies comes from his upbringing."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: I come from the past.

✅ Correct: I came from the past.

💡 Tip: Ensure the tense matches the timeline.

Misplaced object

❌ Wrong: Come from Italy I.

✅ Correct: I come from Italy.

💡 Tip: Place the subject before the phrasal verb.

Redundancy

❌ Wrong: She comes from out of Australia.

✅ Correct: She comes from Australia.

💡 Tip: Avoid unnecessary prepositions for clarity.

Practice

COME FROM - 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

Many of the world's greatest inventions come from simple ideas.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

My passion for science comes from my father's encouragement.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

Understanding where we come from can shape our future decisions.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

originate derive from

Antonyms

result in

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The best wines often ___ France."

coming from

come from

come of

came off

In Context

Nelson Mandela, a beacon of hope and resilience, came from a small village called Mvezo in South Africa, where traditional values were deeply rooted. His journey was marked by humble beginnings, yet his aspirations came from a profound sense of justice and equality. When Mandela decided to fight against apartheid, many wondered where his unwavering courage came from. His experiences in the rural landscape, intertwined with tales of his ancestors, shaped his worldview. Despite severe challenges, Mandela's determination to transform society came from his commitment to freedom and democracy. During his 27 years of imprisonment, the global spotlight often turned towards him. People from all corners of the earth drew inspiration from his resilience. After his release, Mandela's leadership in driving the nation towards reconciliation came from a place of forgiveness and unity. In 1994, when Mandela was elected as the first black President of South Africa, it was clear his resolve and spirit came from a deeply ingrained legacy of community and service. His life remains a testament to how where one comes from can profoundly influence the path they choose to take.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come From

What is the origin of come from?

The phrase 'come from' emerged in English to express origins or sources, evolving from Middle English and early Germanic roots denoting movement and arrival.

Can come from be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'come from' is appropriate in both formal and informal situations, helping to clarify the source or origin of ideas, people, or objects.

What is the difference between come from and originate?

'Come from' is often used for physical or metaphorical origins, while 'originate' is generally more formal, describing abstract or conceptual sources.

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

COME FROM - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come From

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega