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

Pave the Way: Meaning, Usage & Examples

"One must often pave the way with perseverance and patience to ensure the seeds of success can flourish for future generations."

📖 Definition

To make progress or developments easier or possible for others, creating conditions that facilitate future success or advancements.

Examples in context

The new policies are designed to pave the way for economic growth.
His research paved the way for revolutionary treatments in medicine.
The collaboration paved the way for a successful partnership.

📖 Definition

To make progress or developments easier or possible for others, creating conditions that facilitate future success or advancements.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrase cannot be split by a direct object.

Neutral

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete the meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pave the way	Innovations in AI pave the way for smarter technologies.
Past Simple	paved the way	The invention of the steam engine paved the way for the Industrial Revolution.
Present Continuous	paving the way	Scientists are paving the way for new discoveries every day.
Present Perfect	have paved the way	Efforts in climate policy have paved the way for better sustainability practices.

💡 When to Use

Introducing technology advancements

Use this phrase when talking about technological innovations that make future progress possible.

Example: "The invention of the microchip paved the way for modern computers."

Discussing historical influence

Apply this in contexts where past events or figures have facilitated current developments.

Example: "Rosa Parks' defiance paved the way for the Civil Rights Movement."

Describing company strategies

Suitably used in business contexts to describe strategies that lead to future growth.

Example: "The merger paved the way for international expansion."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Pave the future generation's way with better education.

✅ Correct: Pave the way for future generations with better education.

💡 Tip: Remember: always keep 'the way' intact.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: Her actions paved the way.

✅ Correct: Her actions paved the way for change.

💡 Tip: Include what is being facilitated.

Wrong tense form

❌ Wrong: They paves the way for innovation.

✅ Correct: They pave the way for innovation.

💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement in all tenses.

Practice

PAVE THE WAY - 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 new policies are designed to pave the way for economic growth.
Urban Compact Living
2
Listen to example

His research paved the way for revolutionary treatments in medicine.
Urban Compact Living
3
Listen to example

The collaboration paved the way for a successful partnership.
Urban Compact Living

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

facilitate prepare

Antonyms

obstruct

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The new director aimed to ___ the way for organizational improvements."

block

pave the way

derail

halt

In Context

In the early 20th century, Marie Curie's groundbreaking work in radioactivity not only advanced scientific knowledge but also paved the way for future female scientists. Born in Poland, Curie moved to Paris to pursue her passion for physics and mathematics. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, her perseverance was unyielding. Through tireless research, she discovered the elements polonium and radium, paving the way for the development of X-ray machines used in World War I. Her achievements earned her two Nobel Prizes, making her the first woman to receive the prestigious award and also the first person ever to win it twice in different fields: Physics and Chemistry. Curie's contributions were not limited to scientific discoveries. She paved the way for women in science, challenging societal norms and opening doors for countless others. Her legacy inspired women globally to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Sadly, her lifelong exposure to radiation eventually led to her death in 1934. Yet, Curie's enduring contributions to science and society remain profound, continuing to pave the way for advancements in medical and technological fields, embodying a spirit of innovation and courage that inspires to this day.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pave The Way

What is the origin of the phrasal verb 'pave the way'?

The phrase 'pave the way' is derived from the literal act of paving roads to create smoother, accessible paths, metaphorically extended to making future actions easier.

Can 'pave the way' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'pave the way' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, fitting discussions on progress in various domains.

What is the difference between 'pave the way' and 'facilitate'?

While both involve making progress easier, 'pave the way' often implies initial efforts creating conditions over time, whereas 'facilitate' suggests aiding or simplifying a process directly.

Browse All Tiny House 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

PAVE THE WAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pave The Way

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega