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 'Strike Out': Meanings and Uses

📖 Definition

To start a new venture or journey, especially after initial failure, or to be unsuccessful in an attempt, particularly in baseball.

Examples in context

The new business owner is eager to strike out on her own after years of working for others.
In tonight's game, the star player unexpectedly struck out multiple times.
Despite initial failures, they struck out with determination and innovation in their industry.

📖 Definition

To start a new venture or journey, especially after initial failure, or to be unsuccessful in an attempt, particularly in baseball.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb can be separated by its object.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object, such as an effort or attempt.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	strike out	She decides to strike out on her own.
Past Simple	struck out	He struck out during the finals last year.
Present Continuous	striking out	They are striking out on a new adventure.
Present Perfect	have struck out	The team has struck out several times this season.

💡 When to Use

Starting a new venture

Use when someone begins a new journey or tries a new approach after a setback.

Example: "After her business failed, she decided to strike out in a new field."

Facing repeated failures

Use when describing attempts that have not succeeded.

Example: "Despite their efforts, they have struck out on multiple projects this year."

Baseball terminology

Use in a sports context when a player fails to hit the ball three times.

Example: "The batter struck out in the final inning of the game."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Conjugation error

❌ Wrong: He striked out on his idea.

✅ Correct: He struck out on his idea.

💡 Tip: Remember, the past tense is 'struck', not 'striked'.

Usage in baseball context

❌ Wrong: He strike out the batter easily.

✅ Correct: He struck out the batter easily.

💡 Tip: Use 'struck' for past tense actions.

Separable usage

❌ Wrong: She decided to out strike on her new venture.

✅ Correct: She decided to strike out on her new venture.

💡 Tip: Keep 'strike out' together when it's a phrasal verb.

"When faced with adversity, strike out in a new direction to find paths previously unseen by others or even yourself."

In Context

In the late 1940s, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to strike out the racial barrier in Major League Baseball. He joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, facing significant racism. Opposing players often aimed to make him strike out, both on the field and in spirit. Yet, Robinson's resilience saw him strike out on a path to change the game forever. Despite facing threats and jeers, he proved his mettle, striking out home runs and stealing bases with unmatched prowess. His success forced other teams and leagues to reconsider their policies, leading to the eventual integration of baseball. Robinson’s journey was emblematic of courage and determination. Each time he struck out at bat, he rose stronger, striking out prejudice not just in sports, but in American culture at large. By the end of his career, he had not just made his mark on baseball, but had also become a key figure in the civil rights movement. Jackie Robinson's story is a testament to the impact of one person striking out against the injustices of society.

Practice

STRIKE 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 new business owner is eager to strike out on her own after years of working for others.
How to Become a Hiker
2
Listen to example

In tonight's game, the star player unexpectedly struck out multiple times.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Despite initial failures, they struck out with determination and innovation in their industry.
How to Become a Hiker

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

venture out undertake

Antonyms

succeed

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many entrepreneurs ___ on their own to achieve success."

stroke

strike out

stroked

strucked

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Strike Out

What is the origin of strike out?

The term 'strike out' originated from baseball, referring to a player being called out after failing to hit the ball in three attempts. Over time, it evolved to mean attempting something new or failing in an endeavor.

Can strike out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'strike out' is a neutral register term applicable in both formal and informal contexts. It is versatile, useful in everyday conversation as well as in more formal writing, like business or sports journalism.

What is the difference between strike out and venture out?

While both mean to start something new, 'strike out' often implies starting after a failure or against odds. 'Venture out' doesn’t carry such implications, simply indicating an attempt to do something different or risky.

Browse How to Become a Hiker 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

In Context

STRIKE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Strike Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega