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 'Top Up': Definition & Usage

"To top up your wisdom is to nourish the soul, ensuring that knowledge never runs dry and curiosity always flourishes."

📖 Definition

To 'top up' means to fill something that is partially empty to its fullest capacity, often used with accounts, vehicles, or resources.

Examples in context

Every morning, she tops up her coffee with a splash of cream.
Make sure to top up the gas tank before heading to the mountains.
He topped up the charity fund with a generous donation.

📖 Definition

To 'top up' means to fill something that is partially empty to its fullest capacity, often used with accounts, vehicles, or resources.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can appear between 'top' and 'up'.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	top up	I need to top up my phone balance.
Past Simple	topped up	She topped up her coffee before leaving.
Present Continuous	topping up	He is topping up the car's fuel tank.
Present Perfect	have topped up	We have topped up our savings account.

💡 When to Use

Financial transactions

Use when you need to add funds to an account or financial resource to avoid depletion.

Example: "She topped up her travel card before boarding the train."

Replenishing supplies

Applicable when you are refilling an item or resource that has run low.

Example: "After dinner, he topped up the pepper shaker."

Energizing oneself

Utilize this when you refer to boosting one's energy or spirit.

Example: "After a long day, he topped up his spirits with some music."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong order with separable

❌ Wrong: I topped my phone up balance.

✅ Correct: I topped up my phone balance.

💡 Tip: Keep the object before 'up'.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: He topped up quickly.

✅ Correct: He topped up the water quickly.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being topped up.

Incorrect register usage

❌ Wrong: In research papers, avoid to top up.

✅ Correct: In research papers, avoid topping up.

💡 Tip: Neutral terms can fit both formal and informal contexts.

Practice

TOP UP - 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

Every morning, she tops up her coffee with a splash of cream.
The World In Your Pocket
2
Listen to example

Make sure to top up the gas tank before heading to the mountains.
The World In Your Pocket
3
Listen to example

He topped up the charity fund with a generous donation.
The World In Your Pocket

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

replenish refill

Antonyms

deplete

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Don't forget to ___ your water bottle before the hike."

bottom up

top up

under up

flip up

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Top Up

What is the origin of the phrasal verb 'top up'?

The phrase 'top up' originates from the British usage in the late 19th century, describing the topping up of liquid levels, particularly in storage casks. Its usage expanded to include financial and resource contexts in modern times.

Can 'top up' be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Top up' is a neutral expression and can comfortably be used in both formal and informal settings. It is commonly used in business, finance, daily conversations, and educational contexts, thanks to its adaptable nature.

What is the difference between 'top up' and 'replenish'?

'Top up' often implies filling up to a desired level, whereas 'replenish' means restoring something to its former level. 'Top up' is frequently used in financial contexts, while 'replenish' is more common in supply contexts.

Browse All The World In Your Pocket 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

TOP UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Top Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega