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 'Open Up' - Definition & Usage

📖 Definition

To 'open up' means to become more accessible, willing to communicate freely, or to reveal one's thoughts or feelings more openly. It can refer to both opening a physical space or metaphorically sharing personal or new information.

Examples in context

When he opens up, his insights can be truly astonishing to everyone around him.
The negotiations opened up possibilities previously considered impossible by the parties involved.
The museum curator decided to open up the archives for the first time in decades.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can split 'open up' with pronouns or nouns, e.g., 'open it up.'

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object; something or someone is being opened up.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	open up	They open up new opportunities for collaboration.
Past Simple	opened up	She opened up about her experiences.
Present Continuous	opening up	He is opening up about his plans.
Present Perfect	have opened up	We have opened up the latest project for discussion.

💡 When to Use

Encouraging communication

Use 'open up' when urging someone to share their feelings, thoughts, or information freely and honestly.

Example: "The counselor helped him open up about his fears."

Unveiling new possibilities

Apply 'open up' when referring to making new opportunities available or expanding access to something.

Example: "The new policy will open up international trade routes."

Physically uncovering

'Open up' is used when referring to the action of making something accessible or removing barriers to entry.

Example: "The curator opened up the exhibit to the public."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: She open up about her past.

✅ Correct: She opened up about her past.

💡 Tip: Ensure verb tense agrees with time context.

Misplaced object pronoun

❌ Wrong: Open the book up.

✅ Correct: Open up the book.

💡 Tip: Place object pronouns close to the verb.

Wrong subject agreement

❌ Wrong: They opens up too slowly.

✅ Correct: They open up too slowly.

💡 Tip: Match subject and verb number.

Practice

OPEN 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

When he opens up, his insights can be truly astonishing to everyone around him.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The negotiations opened up possibilities previously considered impossible by the parties involved.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The museum curator decided to open up the archives for the first time in decades.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

reveal share

Antonyms

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many students were hesitant to ___ up about their learning challenges."

reveal

open up

unfold

expose

"To truly open up is to let others see the world within, unravel mysteries, and foster understanding beyond words and gestures."

In Context

In the early 20th century, Albert Einstein was not just known for his scientific prowess but also for his ability to open up new dialogues in the world of science. Initially, the scientific community was hesitant to fully embrace his theories, such as the theory of relativity. However, Einstein’s determination to open up discussions and share his insights through conferences and publications eventually broke the barriers of skepticism. In 1919, when a solar eclipse provided evidence supporting his theory, he opened up the eyes of both scientists and the general public, catapulting him to international fame. His willingness to collaborate and communicate complex ideas in understandable ways helped open up endless possibilities for future research and understanding in physics. By the time of his death in 1955, Einstein had not only opened up the world to new scientific concepts but also inspired a new generation of thinkers to pursue knowledge without fear. His life exemplified how opening up can change not just one’s destiny but the course of human history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Open Up

What is the origin of open up?

The phrasal verb 'open up' originates from the 19th century, with 'open' describing the act of making accessible. Combining it with 'up' intensified the sense of accessibility and transparency, used figuratively for communication by the early 20th century.

Can open up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Open up' can indeed be used in both contexts. In formal settings, it suggests sincerity or unveiling discoveries, while in informal situations, it tends to imply personal sharing or unlocking conversational barriers.

What is the difference between open up and reveal?

While 'open up' often suggests inviting further communication or interaction, 'reveal' typically indicates a one-time act of uncovering or exposing. 'Open up' implies ongoing dialogue, whereas 'reveal' is finite and specific.

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

OPEN UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Open Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega