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 'Call It'

📖 Definition

To stop an activity or engagement, usually due to challenges or exhaustion, signaling a need to reassess or rest before proceeding further.

Examples in context

After hiking all morning, they decided to call it and head back home.
Realizing she was out of options, she called it and prepared for a fresh start.
The engineer called it after hours of trying to fix the problem.

📖 Definition

To stop an activity or engagement, usually due to challenges or exhaustion, signaling a need to reassess or rest before proceeding further.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate the verb and pronoun, e.g., 'call it a day.'

Informal

Commonly used in casual contexts to indicate ending an activity.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete the meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	call it	I think we should call it a day.
Past Simple	called it	After hours of debate, the committee called it.
Present Continuous	calling it	We are considering calling it early today.
Present Perfect	have called it	They have called it many times in difficult circumstances.

💡 When to Use

After extended efforts

Use it when you have tried hard and decide to stop a task due to fatigue or difficulties.

Example: "After working all night, they decided to call it a day."

Facing insurmountable challenges

Apply it when challenges or lack of progress push you to halt an activity.

Example: "The project team decided to call it due to budget issues."

Concluding meetings

Utilize it to formally indicate the end of a meeting or discussion session.

Example: "The manager called it after a long meeting."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: They it called a day.

✅ Correct: They called it a day.

💡 Tip: Remember to place 'it' between the verb and phrase.

Using in formal writing

❌ Wrong: The court decided to call it a day.

✅ Correct: The court decided to adjourn.

💡 Tip: Opt for more formal phrasing in official contexts.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: He called a day.

✅ Correct: He called it a day.

💡 Tip: Don’t forget 'it' to complete the phrase.

Practice

CALL IT - 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

After hiking all morning, they decided to call it and head back home.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Realizing she was out of options, she called it and prepared for a fresh start.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The engineer called it after hours of trying to fix the problem.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

give up quit

Antonyms

continue

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After hours of debate, the council decided to ___ it a night."

make

call it

consider

pretend

"When life throws insurmountable challenges your way, sometimes the wisest choice is to call it a day and regroup tomorrow."

In Context

During the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee faced a crucial decision. After two days of inconclusive fighting, his forces were weary, but Lee was determined to deliver a decisive blow on the third day. On July 3rd, he ordered a massive assault known as Pickett's Charge. The Confederates marched across open fields under intense Union artillery fire. Despite their bravery, they couldn't breach the Union lines. Lee realized the devastating losses were insurmountable and decided to call it. By the end of the day, the Confederates had suffered severe casualties. Retreating on July 4th, Lee understood the importance of regrouping his men for future battles. Although the battle was a turning point in the Civil War, Lee maintained his dignity, stating, 'All this has been my fault.' His decision to call it was a humbling lesson in leadership and the limits of perseverance. The defeat at Gettysburg marked a decline in Confederate fortunes, highlighting the pivotal moment Lee and his men faced when deciding to call it and conserve their strength. In the aftermath, both sides reflected on the high cost of their endeavors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call It

What is the origin of call it?

The phrasal verb 'call it' is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, primarily in North American English, where it became common vernacular in business and social contexts to signify the end of an activity or day.

Can call it be used in formal and informal contexts?

The phrase 'call it' is informal and best used in casual conversations or less formal writing. In formal contexts, alternatives like 'conclude' or 'adjourn' are preferred, as they maintain a professional tone suitable for official situations.

What is the difference between call it and give up?

'Call it' implies pausing or stopping a specific activity for practical reasons, often temporarily. 'Give up,' however, indicates a permanent cessation due to discouragement or defeat, often carrying a connotation of failure or loss.

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

CALL IT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call It

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega