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 'Speak Up For': Definition and Use

"When the silence is louder than truth itself, one must speak up for justice, as courage lies within the whispered word."

📖 Definition

To speak up for someone or something means to express one's support or defense of them, often in situations where they are unable to advocate for themselves.

Examples in context

During the debate, she decided to speak up for education reform and its benefits.
He never hesitated to speak up for the underprivileged in his community.
Emma was praised for speaking up for her coworkers at the staff meeting.

📖 Definition

To speak up for someone or something means to express one's support or defense of them, often in situations where they are unable to advocate for themselves.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb can be separated by the object in a sentence.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	speak up for	She always speaks up for her colleagues in meetings.
Past Simple	spoke up for	He spoke up for the homeless during the conference.
Present Continuous	speaking up for	They are speaking up for environmental issues at the summit.
Present Perfect	have spoken up for	Many have spoken up for animal rights in recent years.

💡 When to Use

Defending someone's reputation

Use when you need to defend or support someone who might be unfairly criticized or misunderstood.

Example: "He spoke up for his friend when rumors were spreading."

Addressing social issues

Use when advocating for significant social changes or raising awareness about societal problems.

Example: "They spoke up for gender equality at the workshop."

Workplace advocacy

Use when supporting colleagues' rights or viewpoints in a professional setting.

Example: "She spoke up for better working conditions in the meeting."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb form

❌ Wrong: She speak up for me.

✅ Correct: She speaks up for me.

💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement.

Incorrect particle placement

❌ Wrong: Speak for up your rights.

✅ Correct: Speak up for your rights.

💡 Tip: Remember the correct order: 'speak up for'.

Using without object

❌ Wrong: She always speaks up.

✅ Correct: She always speaks up for those in need.

💡 Tip: Include a direct object for context.

Practice

SPEAK UP FOR - 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

During the debate, she decided to speak up for education reform and its benefits.
The Global Village
2
Listen to example

He never hesitated to speak up for the underprivileged in his community.
The Global Village
3
Listen to example

Emma was praised for speaking up for her coworkers at the staff meeting.
The Global Village

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

advocate for defend

Antonyms

oppose

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"It's important to ___ those who cannot voice their struggles."

speaking up

speak up for

speak of

speak on

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Speak Up For

What is the origin of speak up for?

Originating from the act of raising one's voice in defense or support, 'speak up for' has been used over centuries to empower expressions of advocacy.

Can speak up for be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Speak up for' is versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts when advocating or defending. It is suitable for speeches, writing, and everyday conversations.

What is the difference between speak up for and advocate for?

'Speak up for' often implies vocal support or defense, while 'advocate for' may involve broader actions or campaigns for a cause.

Browse All The Global Village 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

SPEAK UP FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Speak Up For

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega