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

Phrasal Verb: Let Up - Meaning & Usage

"In life's journey, even the stormiest weather can let up, revealing paths once obscured by clouds of doubt and despair."

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'let up' means to become less severe or intense, usually in reference to weather, work pressures, or difficult situations.

Examples in context

The teacher let up on homework as the exam approached.
There was no sign that the construction noise would let up soon.
When will this heatwave finally let up?

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'let up' means to become less severe or intense, usually in reference to weather, work pressures, or difficult situations.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot be placed between 'let' and 'up'.

Neutral

Commonly used in both casual and professional situations.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	let up	The rain finally let up after three hours.
Past Simple	let up	The manager let up on the team after they finished the project.
Present Continuous	letting up	The snow isn't letting up, making travel hazardous.
Present Perfect	have let up	The storm has let up, allowing flights to resume.

💡 When to Use

When weather improves

Use when describing weather conditions that become less severe, like rain stopping or wind calming down.

Example: "The storm began to let up, and we could go outside."

When describing reduced pressure

Use to describe situations where stress or workload decreases, like a boss easing up on demands.

Example: "The pressure at work never seems to let up, even on weekends."

In context of emotional relief

Use when describing a decrease in emotional intensity, such as stress or tension lessening.

Example: "Once he apologized, the tension between them let up."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect placement of object

❌ Wrong: They let the pressure up.

✅ Correct: They let up the pressure.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'let up' is not separable in use.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: The storm will let uped soon.

✅ Correct: The storm will let up soon.

💡 Tip: Use the correct base form 'let up' for future tense.

Incorrect register

❌ Wrong: In formal speech: The meeting let up.

✅ Correct: In formal speech: The meeting adjourned.

💡 Tip: Use 'let up' primarily in informal to neutral contexts.

Practice

LET 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 teacher let up on homework as the exam approached.
Urban Car Dwelling
2
Listen to example

There was no sign that the construction noise would let up soon.
Urban Car Dwelling
3
Listen to example

When will this heatwave finally let up?
Urban Car Dwelling

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

ease diminish

Antonyms

intensify

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The storm outside is not about to ___ anytime soon."

lit up

let up

let off

letting down

In Context

During the Battle of Britain in 1940, Winston Churchill addressed the anxiety of a nation besieged by relentless air raids. The Luftwaffe had shown no signs of letting up, with London and other key cities enduring constant bombardment. Citizens sought refuge in underground shelters, questioning when the skies would let up their cruel onslaught. Churchill, known for his unwavering spirit, encouraged the nation to keep its resolve firm. He assured that the relentless German attacks would eventually let up, a belief that bolstered British morale. September saw a turning point, as the productivity and resilience of the Royal Air Force began wearing down the German offensive. The Luftwaffe’s frequency let up significantly by October, as they couldn't maintain the constant pressure. British skies, once dominated by enemy aircraft, gradually saw the RAF asserting control. Civilians emerged from shelters and resumed daily life with renewed optimism. This pivotal period showed that determination and courage during adversity could lead the way to triumph. By May 1941, the daily air raids finally let up, marking a symbolic victory for a nation that refused to succumb. The resilience of Britain during those trying times remains a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure until adversity lets up.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Let Up

What is the origin of let up?

The origin of 'let up' traces back to the 19th century, used in English to describe the easing of tension or pressure, particularly in weather or work settings, implying a reduction in intensity.

Can let up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Let up' is suitable for informal to neutral contexts due to its casual tone. While not typically used in strictly formal writing, it can fit less formal professional communications.

What is the difference between let up and ease?

Both 'let up' and 'ease' indicate a reduction in intensity, but 'let up' is more commonly used for temporary relief, while 'ease' can refer to sustained comfort or lack of difficulty.

Browse All Urban Car Dwelling 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

LET UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Let Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega