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 'Wrap Your Head Around'

"To truly wrap your head around change, consider it not as an adversary, but as a companion in life’s intricate dance."

📖 Definition

To 'wrap your head around' means to understand something complex or unfamiliar by thinking about it deeply until it becomes clearer or accepted.

Examples in context

Scientists struggled to wrap their heads around the implications of Copernicus’ findings.
It was hard to wrap my head around the cultural differences at first.
The students had to wrap their heads around advanced mathematics quickly.

📖 Definition

To 'wrap your head around' means to understand something complex or unfamiliar by thinking about it deeply until it becomes clearer or accepted.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrase is not separable, it must be used as a unit.

Informal

Commonly used in casual conversations rather than formal writing.

Transitive

Yes

The verb takes a direct object, referring to the concept being understood.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	wrap your head around	I can't wrap my head around this equation.
Past Simple	wrapped your head around	She wrapped her head around the theory after days of study.
Present Continuous	wrapping your head around	He's wrapping his head around the project details.
Present Perfect	have wrapped your head around	They have wrapped their head around the new regulations.

💡 When to Use

Understanding complex ideas

Use this phrase when referring to comprehending something that is difficult or complicated.

Example: "She finally wrapped her head around quantum mechanics."

Adapting to new situations

Express adjusting and understanding new or unexpected circumstances with this phrase.

Example: "It took him time to wrap his head around living in a new city."

Learning difficult concepts

Apply this when mentioning learning or grasping challenging concepts over time.

Example: "We are wrapping our heads around the new software system."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: Wrap your head around it the concept.

✅ Correct: Wrap your head around the concept.

💡 Tip: Keep the phrase together; don't split it with the object.

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: I am wraps my head around the problem.

✅ Correct: I am wrapping my head around the problem.

💡 Tip: Use the continuous form for ongoing actions.

Missing preposition

❌ Wrong: He can't wrap his head the dilemma.

✅ Correct: He can't wrap his head around the dilemma.

💡 Tip: Remember the preposition 'around' is essential after 'wrap'.

Practice

WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND - 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

Scientists struggled to wrap their heads around the implications of Copernicus’ findings.
The Invisible Wire
2
Listen to example

It was hard to wrap my head around the cultural differences at first.
The Invisible Wire
3
Listen to example

The students had to wrap their heads around advanced mathematics quickly.
The Invisible Wire

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

grasp understand

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many find it challenging to ___ new technologies at first."

wrap

wrap your head around

head

circle

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Wrap Your Head Around

What is the origin of wrap your head around?

The origin of 'wrap your head around' is traced back to American English. It metaphorically suggests encircling a concept with one’s mind to understand it fully.

Can wrap your head around be used in formal and informal contexts?

While primarily informal, 'wrap your head around' can appear in some formal settings, though it’s best known for casual conversations expressing effort in understanding.

What is the difference between wrap your head around and grasp?

'Wrap your head around' implies a process of understanding over time, while 'grasp' suggests a quicker or more immediate comprehension of a concept.

Browse All The Invisible Wire 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

WRAP YOUR HEAD AROUND - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Wrap Your Head Around

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega