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

Comprehensive Guide to the Phrasal Verb 'Build Up'

“To build up a fortress of wisdom, one must lay the stones of experience carefully, learning from every step of life's journey.”

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb ‘build up’ refers to the gradual process of developing, increasing, or strengthening something over time, whether it be physical, emotional, or strategic.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

Components of the phrase can be separated by an object.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	build up	She plans to build up her savings steadily.
Past Simple	built up	He built up a reputable business over the years.
Present Continuous	building up	They are building up a loyal customer base.
Present Perfect	have built up	We have built up a strong friendship over time.

💡 When to Use

Strengthening relationships

Use when describing the process of cultivating or reinforcing relationships or emotional connections.

Example: “Our weekly meetings helped to build up trust within the team.”

Improving physical assets

Applicable when referring to increasing or enhancing physical assets, like finances or property.

Example: “The company successfully built up its capital with strategic investments.”

Preparing for an event

Ideal for situations where someone is preparing or gearing up for a significant forthcoming event.

Example: “He spent months building up his stamina for the marathon.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using incorrect form

❌ Wrong: She builded up excitement before the event.

✅ Correct: She built up excitement before the event.

💡 Tip: Remember 'builded' isn't a word; use 'built'.

Misplacing the object

❌ Wrong: They built up the successfully team.

✅ Correct: They successfully built up the team.

💡 Tip: Keep adverbs before the main verb or at the end.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: He builds up every day.

✅ Correct: He builds up his knowledge every day.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is being built up.

Practice

BUILD 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 coach worked tirelessly to build up the team’s confidence ahead of the championship.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Years of hard work and dedication were needed to build up this successful enterprise.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

They decided to build up the local library with new books and digital resources.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

accumulate strengthen

Antonyms

dismantle

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“She aims to ___ her reputation by volunteering.”

break down

build up

tear apart

dissolve

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Build Up

What is the origin of build up?

The phrase 'build up' originates from Middle English, where 'build' meant to shape or create. Over centuries, it evolved to include the figurative sense of gradual increase, applying to both tangible and intangible entities.

Can build up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Build up' is neutral and versatile, fitting formal and informal settings. It often describes gradual enhancement, applicable in business reports or casual conversations alike, conveying clarity in various contexts.

What is the difference between build up and strengthen?

'Build up' implies gradual increase or development, whereas 'strengthen' focuses on reinforcing existing attributes. Both can overlap but have subtle distinctions based on context and nuance.

Browse All 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