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

Stir Up - Meaning, Usage, and History Explained

📖 Definition

To 'stir up' means to provoke or incite strong emotions, reactions, or trouble, often deliberately. It involves creating a state of unrest or excitement.

Examples in context

His words stirred up emotions long buried in the audience.
The politician's remarks stirred up a hornet's nest of controversy.
Rumors of layoffs stirred up anxiety among the employees.

📖 Definition

To 'stir up' means to provoke or incite strong emotions, reactions, or trouble, often deliberately. It involves creating a state of unrest or excitement.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

Objects can be placed between 'stir' and 'up' (stir trouble up).

Neutral

The phrase is widely used in both casual and more serious contexts.

Transitive

Yes

'Stir up' requires an object, such as emotions or trouble.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	stir up	They often stir up trouble around here.
Past Simple	stirred up	The speech stirred up a lot of emotions.
Present Continuous	stirring up	She is always stirring up controversy.
Present Perfect	have stirred up	The policies have stirred up public discontent.

💡 When to Use

Creating emotional responses

Use when describing actions that incite strong feelings or reactions in others, intentionally or not.

Example: "His speech stirred up feelings of hope."

Inciting trouble

Use when deliberate actions result in unrest or problems, whether lightly or seriously.

Example: "Her rumors stirred up trouble at work."

Raising public awareness

Use when actions lead to heightened awareness or concern over an issue among the public.

Example: "The documentary stirred up interest in climate change."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: He likes to stir up.

✅ Correct: He likes to stir up trouble.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is being stirred up.

Misplacing object

❌ Wrong: She stirred the speech up emotions.

✅ Correct: She stirred up emotions with the speech.

💡 Tip: Place the object after 'up' or between 'stir' and 'up'.

Using in formal writing

❌ Wrong: The report stirred up reactions.

✅ Correct: The report elicited reactions.

💡 Tip: Consider synonyms for formal contexts.

Practice

STIR 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

His words stirred up emotions long buried in the audience.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The politician's remarks stirred up a hornet's nest of controversy.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Rumors of layoffs stirred up anxiety among the employees.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

provoke incite

Antonyms

calm

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"His reckless behavior ____ trouble every time."

makes

stir up

produces

leads

"When emotions stir up within, seek clarity; for in turmoil, wisdom often emerges unseen yet profoundly transformative."

In Context

In 1770, tensions in Boston reached a tipping point. British soldiers, stationed in the colonies to enforce tax laws, were unpopular among colonists. On March 5, a crowd gathered around the Custom House, jeering at the guards. A young man rang the church bells, which stirred up fears of a fire, prompting more citizens to join. As the crowd grew, they began to throw snowballs and rocks. Captain Preston and several soldiers arrived to protect the sentry. Despite Preston's orders to stay calm, the crowd's anger stirred up tensions. Someone yelled 'Fire!' in the commotion, and shots rang out. Five colonists lay dead or dying, including Crispus Attucks, a sailor of African and Native American descent. Paul Revere’s engraving of the event stirred up widespread anti-British sentiment, portraying the soldiers as aggressors. As news spread, colonial leaders like Samuel Adams used the tragedy to stir up support for independence. This event, known as the Boston Massacre, ignited revolutionary fervor, leading to greater unity among the colonies. Trials were held, resulting in acquittals for most soldiers, though public outrage remained. The massacre became a symbol of British oppression, and the ensuing unity eventually sparked the Revolutionary War.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stir Up

What is the origin of stir up?

The phrasal verb 'stir up' dates back to the 16th century, originating in Middle English. 'Stir' meant to agitate or mix, while 'up' emphasized upward movement, symbolizing intensification.

Can stir up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Stir up' is primarily neutral but leans towards informal usage. It fits casual speech and writing. In formal contexts, consider alternatives like 'provoke' or 'incite'.

What is the difference between stir up and provoke?

'Stir up' often implies creating chaos or emotional responses, whereas 'provoke' focuses on eliciting specific reactions, often anger or confrontation, in a more direct manner.

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

STIR UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stir Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega