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 'Look Up'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'look up' means to search for information in a reference book or online resource. It also refers to improving situations or fortunes.

Examples in context

Whenever she's uncertain about a fact, she chooses to look it up in reliable sources.
During tough times, remember to look up and believe that better days are on the horizon.
Students frequently look up examples on the internet to support their research papers.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'look up' means to search for information in a reference book or online resource. It also refers to improving situations or fortunes.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate 'look up' with the object, e.g., 'look it up'.

Neutral

Suitable for formal and informal contexts, in both speech and writing.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object, e.g., 'look up a word.'

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	look up	I often look up recipes online when I want to cook.
Past Simple	looked up	Yesterday, I looked up some historical facts for my essay.
Present Continuous	looking up	He is looking up information for his presentation at the moment.
Present Perfect	have looked up	They have looked up the data, ensuring its accuracy.

💡 When to Use

Searching for information

Use 'look up' when seeking specific facts or data from a reliable source like books or the internet.

Example: "If you're unsure, look up the definition in the dictionary."

Showing improvement

Use 'look up' to describe a situation that is becoming better or more positive than before.

Example: "After months of struggle, things are finally looking up for the small business."

Seeking inspiration

Use 'look up to' when finding inspiration or admiration in someone regarded highly.

Example: "Many young athletes look up to famous sports stars for motivation."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Look information up quickly.

✅ Correct: Look up the information quickly.

💡 Tip: Place the object after 'look up' unless it's a pronoun.

Misusing prepositions

❌ Wrong: Look up to a definition of the word.

✅ Correct: Look up a definition of the word.

💡 Tip: Use 'up to' only when referring to admiration.

Using for the future

❌ Wrong: Tomorrow things will look up.

✅ Correct: Things are looking up.

💡 Tip: Use present continuous to describe current improvement.

Practice

LOOK 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

Whenever she's uncertain about a fact, she chooses to look it up in reliable sources.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

During tough times, remember to look up and believe that better days are on the horizon.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Students frequently look up examples on the internet to support their research papers.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

research investigate

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Whenever you're unsure, you should ____ the details in a reliable source."

look over

look up

look in

look through

"When life pulls you down, remember to look up and find the guiding stars amidst the storm clouds of adversity."

In Context

In the 19th century, Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing. In her early years, she struggled with societal norms, yet she felt a calling to help the sick. She would often look up medical practices of the time, seeking ways to implement them effectively. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge inspired her to look up historical figures in medicine. During the Crimean War, Nightingale's efforts to improve sanitary conditions drastically reduced the death rate. She instructed her nurses to look up to the standards she set, fostering a new era in healthcare. Upon her return to England, she continued to look up statistics to support her theories. Her work led to the establishment of nursing as a professional field. Nightingale's determination to look up to higher standards and her unwavering dedication paved the way for future generations. Until her death in 1910, she remained steadfast in her mission, continuously looking up better methods and practices. Her legacy endures, a testament to the power of looking up and beyond perceived limits.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look Up

What is the origin of look up?

'Look up' originated from Middle English where 'look' generally meant to direct one's gaze. Adding 'up' shifted the meaning to searching or rising in improvement, evolving over time.

Can look up be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'look up' is versatile and can be comfortably used in both formal and informal contexts, whether in writing or speaking, making it very adaptable.

What is the difference between look up and research?

Research involves thorough investigation, often at a more detailed level over time, while 'look up' typically refers to finding specific information more quickly.

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

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

LOOK UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega