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 'Break Through' - Phrasal Verb Guide

"To break through barriers is to forge new paths in the tapestry of life's challenges and opportunities."

📖 Definition

To 'break through' means to overcome an obstacle or barrier, whether physical, metaphorical, or psychological, achieving a significant advance.

Examples in context

The scientists broke through previous limitations to develop a new technology.
Despite the odds, she broke through the academic challenges and graduated with honors.
The sun broke through the clouds, casting light across the valley.

📖 Definition

To 'break through' means to overcome an obstacle or barrier, whether physical, metaphorical, or psychological, achieving a significant advance.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot be placed between the verb and the particle.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to receive the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	break through	They break through the challenges faced.
Past Simple	broke through	The team broke through the defense.
Present Continuous	breaking through	They are breaking through every obstacle.
Present Perfect	have broken through	We have broken through the barriers.

💡 When to Use

Overcoming difficulties

Use when describing overcoming significant challenges or barriers, whether literal or figurative.

Example: "She managed to break through the glass ceiling in her career."

Military advancements

Use in historical or strategic contexts where an advance is made through defenses.

Example: "The forces broke through enemy lines and captured the city."

Scientific discoveries

Use when discussing new discoveries or significant advancements in research.

Example: "Researchers have broken through in cancer treatment."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using 'break' alone

❌ Wrong: They break the wall.

✅ Correct: They break through the wall.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'through' indicates passing beyond an obstacle.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: They breaked through the barrier.

✅ Correct: They broke through the barrier.

💡 Tip: Use 'broke' as the past form of 'break.'

Misplaced object

❌ Wrong: They the wall break through.

✅ Correct: They break through the wall.

💡 Tip: Keep the object after 'break through.'

Practice

BREAK THROUGH - 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 scientists broke through previous limitations to develop a new technology.
Computers The Digital Leap
2
Listen to example

Despite the odds, she broke through the academic challenges and graduated with honors.
Computers The Digital Leap
3
Listen to example

The sun broke through the clouds, casting light across the valley.
Computers The Digital Leap

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

penetrate overcome

Antonyms

retreat

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The team worked tirelessly to ___ the barriers and succeed."

break

break through

passing

exit

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Break Through

What is the origin of break through?

The phrasal verb 'break through' dates back to the 15th century, deriving from the literal action of breaking through physical barriers like walls or defenses.

Can break through be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Break through' is versatile and can be appropriately used in both formal and informal settings, making it ideal for speeches, essays, and casual conversations.

What is the difference between break through and penetrate?

While both mean overcoming obstacles, 'break through' often implies significant effort, whereas 'penetrate' suggests passing through something with lesser resistance.

Browse All Computers The Digital Leap 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

BREAK THROUGH - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Break Through

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega