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 the Phrasal Verb 'Match Up'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'match up' means to be equal, similar, or in harmony with something else. It can also imply meeting expectations or requirements, or comparing one thing to another for similarity or equality.

Examples in context

The blueprint must match up with the actual construction plan to ensure accuracy.
Does your opinion match up with the conclusions in this report?
Their testimonies matched up, which strengthened their case in court.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

'Match up' can take a direct object between the verb and the particle.

Neutral

It is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	match up	His performance does not match up to the expectations.
Past Simple	matched up	Her actions matched up with her words.
Present Continuous	matching up	They are matching up the data with the reports.
Present Perfect	have matched up	We have matched up the results to ensure accuracy.

💡 When to Use

Comparing two items

When assessing two objects, people, or situations for similarities or alignment, 'match up' can highlight their comparability.

Example: "These samples match up well with the initial set."

Meeting expectations

Use 'match up' when evaluating whether something meets or aligns with a pre-set standard or expectation.

Example: "Her skills match up to the job requirements perfectly."

Aligning values or actions

When actions or values are in harmony with each other, 'match up' can express this alignment, emphasizing coherence.

Example: "His actions match up to his stated values."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement of object

❌ Wrong: Match the results up.

✅ Correct: Match up the results.

💡 Tip: Place the object between 'match' and 'up' for clarity.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: The plans match up.

✅ Correct: The plans match up with the schedule.

💡 Tip: Always provide a comparison reference.

Wrong tense usage

❌ Wrong: He match up well with them.

✅ Correct: He matches up well with them.

💡 Tip: Ensure correct tense agreement with subjects.

"When our intentions and actions truly match up, we find a harmony that aligns our paths with the universe's greater plan."

In Context

In 1960, Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl, was chosen to attend an all-white school in New Orleans. This decision was part of a larger effort to desegregate schools following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling. Ruby and her family wanted to match up with the opportunities promised by the new laws. On her first day at William Frantz Elementary School, Ruby faced an angry mob, yet she bravely matched up to their hostility with her silent courage. Escorted by federal marshals, she persevered, understanding the significance of her attendance. Day after day, Ruby's quiet resilience matched up with the determination of those fighting for civil rights. Inside the school, she encountered isolation, as parents withdrew their children. However, her teacher, Barbara Henry, supported her, ensuring Ruby received an education. Their bond highlighted how human compassion can match up against prejudice. As days turned into months, more families began to accept Ruby's presence, leading to gradual change. Ruby's brave journey and the support she received were crucial in challenging the segregated norms. Her story reminds us that true progress requires individuals who match up to extraordinary challenges with courage and patience, shaping the path for a more inclusive future.

Practice

MATCH 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

The blueprint must match up with the actual construction plan to ensure accuracy.
How to Become a Hiker
2
Listen to example

Does your opinion match up with the conclusions in this report?
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Their testimonies matched up, which strengthened their case in court.
How to Become a Hiker

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

align compare

Antonyms

differ

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Our goals need to ___ up with our values."

push

match up

pull

fit

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Match Up

What is the origin of match up?

'Match up' originated in the late 16th century, where 'match' meant to equal or be a companion. Over time, 'up' was added to emphasize the aligning connotation.

Can match up be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'match up' is flexible in usage. It is commonly found in formal reports, casual conversations, and written texts due to its neutral register.

What is the difference between match up and align?

'Match up' often implies comparison or meeting standards, while 'align' suggests arranging in a straight line or agreement, especially contextually aligning.

Browse National Parks 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

MATCH UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Match Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega