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

Leave Behind: Meaning, Examples and Pronunciation

📖 Definition

To leave behind means to go away from a place and not take someone or something with you, or to pass away and leave family or possessions.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between or after 'leave' and 'behind'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	leave behind	I always try not to leave behind important documents.
Past Simple	left behind	She left behind childhood memories when she moved abroad.
Present Continuous	leaving behind	He is leaving behind an impressive legacy in the company.
Present Perfect	have left behind	We have left behind many good friends after the relocation.

💡 When to Use

Moving or relocating

Use when talking about items or memories not taken when relocating or moving from one place to another.

Example: “When we moved to a new city, we left behind a lot of furniture.”

Legacy or memory

Use when discussing the influence or memory one imparts after departure or death.

Example: “The author has left behind a legacy of thought-provoking novels.”

Traveling

Use to describe items forgotten or purposefully not carried along during travel.

Example: “I often worry about leaving behind my passport when I travel.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: He left it behind his phone.

✅ Correct: He left his phone behind.

💡 Tip: Place the object directly after 'leave' for clarity.

Mixing with other prepositions

❌ Wrong: She left in behind her heritage.

✅ Correct: She left her heritage behind.

💡 Tip: Always use 'behind' after 'leave' when expressing leaving something.

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: I left behind after the meeting.

✅ Correct: I left behind my notes after the meeting.

💡 Tip: Ensure an object follows 'leave behind' for complete meaning.

Practice

LEAVE BEHIND – 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

They left behind their childhood home to start anew in the city.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

As he ascended to the presidency, he left behind his teaching job.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The painting he left behind was cherished by galleries worldwide.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

abandon forsake

Antonyms

take along

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“Don't forget to lock the doors and not ___ anything valuable.”

picked up

leave behind

took up

put down

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Leave Behind

What is the origin of leave behind?

The phrase 'leave behind' originates from Middle English 'leven,' meaning to depart, and Old English 'behindan,' denoting the act of remaining. Historically, 'leaving behind' referred to departing a place without taking certain things, evolving in use over centuries to imply both tangible and intangible items or influence left.

Can leave behind be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'leave behind' is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it can describe legacy or omissions in professional contexts. Informally, it simply refers to forgetting or not taking items. The nuance it conveys remains effective and appropriate across different settings.

What is the difference between leave behind and abandon?

While 'leave behind' and 'abandon' both imply not taking something, 'leave behind' can carry neutral or positive connotations, often signifying moving on or transitioning. 'Abandon' typically has negative implications, suggesting neglect, desertion, or relinquishment without intention to return or care.

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