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 'Put Down'

📖 Definition

To 'put down' means to criticize or belittle someone or something, or to suppress or quell unrest, or to write something.

Examples in context

The manager put down every suggestion without much thought.
Authorities put down the riot before dawn broke.
She put down her reflections in a journal every night.

📖 Definition

To 'put down' means to criticize or belittle someone or something, or to suppress or quell unrest, or to write something.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between 'put' and 'down'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to receive the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	put down	They often put down new ideas in meetings.
Past Simple	put down	The teacher put down the student's suggestion.
Present Continuous	putting down	She is putting down notes for her new book.
Present Perfect	have put down	He has put down every dissenting voice so far.

💡 When to Use

Criticizing others

Use when someone belittles or undermines another, affecting their confidence or credibility.

Example: "His peers constantly put him down, affecting his motivation."

Quelling unrest

Applied when stopping or suppressing a rebellion or disturbance, maintaining order or control.

Example: "The government put down the rebellion with swift action."

Writing something

Use when noting or recording something on paper, often for future reference.

Example: "She put down the meeting minutes diligently."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb tense

❌ Wrong: He will puts down the idea.

✅ Correct: He will put down the idea.

💡 Tip: Remember 'put down' does not change in future tense.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: She put down quickly.

✅ Correct: She put down the pen quickly.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being put down.

Wrong phrasal order

❌ Wrong: Put the book down it.

✅ Correct: Put down the book.

💡 Tip: Place the object after 'down', or between 'put' and 'down'.

Practice

PUT DOWN - 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 manager put down every suggestion without much thought.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Authorities put down the riot before dawn broke.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

She put down her reflections in a journal every night.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

criticize suppress

Antonyms

uplift

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The teacher tends to ___ innovative ideas during discussions."

puts over

put down

puts through

puts forth

"To truly grow, learn to put down ego and lift up understanding, for wisdom thrives when pride is set aside."

In Context

Thomas Paine, a pivotal figure in American independence, faced fierce opposition. His pen was mightier than any sword, producing works that roused the colonists against British rule. Despite this, critics sought to put him down, dismissing his ideas as radical. The British government, feeling threatened by his words, put him down on lists of dissidents, marking him as a traitor. When 'Common Sense' was published in 1776, the public rallied, pushing against those who put down the revolutionary fervor with skepticism. The ripples of Paine's writings reached far and wide; they were discussed in taverns and town halls, rendering attempts to put them down futile. Paine's ability to articulate the colonists' grievances against the crown provided inspiration that no amount of political pressure could put down. Despite personal attacks and attempts to discredit him, Paine remained steadfast in his mission. In the end, it was his resilience that made his detractors irrelevant. They could not put down his vision for independence. His legacy endures, a testament to the power of steadfast conviction against adversity. No matter how many tried to put down the spirit of revolution, it only grew stronger, shaping a new nation founded on the principles Paine so passionately championed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Put Down

What is the origin of put down?

The origin of 'put down' comes from the early 14th century, meaning to lay something down or record something in writing. Over time, it evolved to include the sense of belittling others, as well as quelling unrest.

Can put down be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Put down' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In professional settings, it might refer to discrediting ideas or quelling disruptions. Informally, it's often used to describe belittling or humiliating someone.

What is the difference between put down and criticize?

'Put down' is broader; it includes criticizing, suppressing disruptions, or writing something. 'Criticize' specifically means finding fault or expressing disapproval. 'Put down' connotes more than just verbal criticism, as it can involve action to suppress.

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

PUT DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Put Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega