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 and Using 'Opt Out Of'

"Choosing to opt out of chaos and embrace tranquility is a testament to one's desire for inner peace and self-awareness."

📖 Definition

Opt out of means to choose not to participate in something or to decide against being involved in an activity or a decision.

Examples in context

Many employees opted out of the new retirement plan due to its complexity.
Despite the pressure, she decided to opt out of the controversial study.
The organization encouraged members to opt out of old practices that no longer served them.

📖 Definition

Opt out of means to choose not to participate in something or to decide against being involved in an activity or a decision.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb 'opt out of' cannot be separated by other elements.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object to express what you are opting out of.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	opt out of	Many students opt out of extracurricular activities due to time constraints.
Past Simple	opted out of	She opted out of the conference after realizing it conflicted with her schedule.
Present Continuous	opting out of	They are opting out of the annual survey this year.
Present Perfect	have opted out of	We have opted out of the monthly subscription to save money.

💡 When to Use

Not participating in events

Use when deciding not to engage or participate in scheduled events or activities.

Example: "He opted out of the summer camp due to personal reasons."

Avoiding obligations

Apply when declining to fulfill certain obligations or responsibilities usually expected from you.

Example: "She opted out of the family reunion to focus on her studies."

Withdrawing from memberships

Appropriate when leaving memberships or subscriptions deliberately

Example: "They opted out of the magazine subscription after finding it irrelevant."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Separation mistake

❌ Wrong: They opted the event out of.

✅ Correct: They opted out of the event.

💡 Tip: Keep 'opt out of' together with its object.

Wrong preposition

❌ Wrong: He opted out from the class.

✅ Correct: He opted out of the class.

💡 Tip: Always use 'of' after 'opt out'.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: They opt outed of the plan.

✅ Correct: They opted out of the plan.

💡 Tip: Use 'opted' for past tense.

Practice

OPT OUT OF - 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 employees opted out of the new retirement plan due to its complexity.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

Despite the pressure, she decided to opt out of the controversial study.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

The organization encouraged members to opt out of old practices that no longer served them.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

decline withdraw

Antonyms

participate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She decided to ___ out of the holiday party."

opt in

opt out of

drop

exclude

In Context

In the late 1960s, the United States experienced a significant cultural shift. This era, known for the rise of the counterculture movement, witnessed many young Americans opting out of conventional societal norms. One notable figure in this movement was Timothy Leary, a psychologist and writer, who tirelessly advocated for free thinking. Leary encouraged his followers to ‘turn on, tune in, and drop out,’ effectively proposing that they opt out of the restrictive social expectations of the era. In 1967, during the Human Be-In gathering at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, thousands of attendees opted out of the traditional pursuit of material success, instead prioritizing personal exploration and consciousness expansion. As the movement grew, the government viewed it as a threat to social stability, leading to increased scrutiny and pressure. Many participants, weary of governmental pushback, chose to opt out and seek their ideals through smaller, more secluded communes. By the early 1970s, the counterculture’s peak waned as more people opted out of active participation, integrating cultural insights back into conventional life. The legacy of opting out echoed in societal shifts towards broader acceptance and personal freedom, marking a profound transformation in American cultural history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Opt Out Of

What is the origin of opt out of?

The phrase 'opt out of' originated in the 1950s, derived from the Latin 'optionem', meaning choice. It gained popularity during the cultural shifts of the 1960s when individuals began rejecting societal norms.

Can opt out of be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'opt out of' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is used in business settings, academic discussions, and everyday conversations when referring to the choice not to participate in something.

What is the difference between opt out of and decline?

'Opt out of' suggests a deliberate choice to not participate, often from ongoing involvement. 'Decline' implies a refusal or rejection usually at the point of invitation or offer.

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

OPT OUT OF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Opt Out Of

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega