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 'Spreading Out'

"Just as ripples on water keep spreading out, so too do our actions reverberate, shaping futures we cannot foresee."

📖 Definition

To distribute or expand over a larger area. It can refer to people physically moving apart, or the distribution of items or concepts.

Examples in context

The blankets were spread out over the vast sandy beach.
As the evacuation began, people spread out in all directions.
In autumn, farmers spread out seeds across the fertile land.

📖 Definition

To distribute or expand over a larger area. It can refer to people physically moving apart, or the distribution of items or concepts.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between or after the verb and particle.

Neutral

Appropriate for both formal and informal use.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	spread out	They spread out the plans on the table.
Past Simple	spread out	The troops spread out across the field.
Present Continuous	spreading out	People are spreading out blankets for the picnic.
Present Perfect	have spread out	The documents have spread out over the desk.

💡 When to Use

Describing distribution of items

Use when explaining how things are distributed over space or time.

Example: "The papers were spread out across the table."

Discussing strategic deployment

Applicable when detailing how people or resources are dispersed for efficiency.

Example: "The soldiers were told to spread out for the ambush."

Planning activities

Helpful in outlining how tasks or events are separated over a schedule.

Example: "We spread out the meetings over the week."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect particle placement

❌ Wrong: They out spread the map on the floor.

✅ Correct: They spread out the map on the floor.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'out' follows 'spread'.

Wrong tense use

❌ Wrong: We will spreads out the equipment.

✅ Correct: We will spread out the equipment.

💡 Tip: 'Spread' is the same in all tenses.

Using without a direct object

❌ Wrong: You need to spread out.

✅ Correct: You need to spread out the materials.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being spread out.

Practice

SPREADING OUT - 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 blankets were spread out over the vast sandy beach.
Words Multiplied
2
Listen to example

As the evacuation began, people spread out in all directions.
Words Multiplied
3
Listen to example

In autumn, farmers spread out seeds across the fertile land.
Words Multiplied

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

disperse deploy

Antonyms

concentrate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The documents were ___ across the table for everyone to see."

spreading

spreading out

spreads

spreaded

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Spreading Out

What is the origin of spreading out?

The phrase 'spreading out' originates from Middle English, first recorded in the 14th century, meaning to extend or stretch over an area or period.

Can spreading out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'spreading out' is versatile and suitable for both contexts. Its neutrality makes it fitting for diverse scenarios, from technical reports to casual conversation.

What is the difference between spreading out and disperse?

While both imply distribution, 'spreading out' suggests a gradual or strategic expansion, whereas 'disperse' often implies a more chaotic or rapid scattering.

Browse All Words Multiplied 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

SPREADING OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Spreading Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega