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

Step Over: Definition, Usage & Historical Insight

📖 Definition

To step over means to move past or physically step over an object or obstacle. It's often used metaphorically when overcoming barriers.

Examples in context

She stepped over the fallen branches with care and precision.
The athlete confidently stepped over each hurdle during the race.
They stepped over the line, entering into a new territory of negotiations.

📖 Definition

To step over means to move past or physically step over an object or obstacle. It's often used metaphorically when overcoming barriers.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot split the verb and particle.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to receive the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	step over	He carefully steps over the puddle.
Past Simple	stepped over	She stepped over the obstacle effortlessly.
Present Continuous	stepping over	They are stepping over the debris cautiously.
Present Perfect	have stepped over	I have stepped over many challenges to reach here.

💡 When to Use

Physical obstacles

Used when describing moving over physical barriers, like a puddle or a low fence.

Example: "The child stepped over the small stream gingerly."

Metaphorical challenges

Describing overcoming non-physical challenges, such as emotional or social obstacles.

Example: "She had to step over her insecurity to achieve her dreams."

Navigating difficulties

When addressing navigating through or past difficulties, creating a path to progress.

Example: "In arguments, they try to step over disagreements quickly."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using as intransitive

❌ Wrong: He stepped over.

✅ Correct: He stepped over the hurdle.

💡 Tip: Always include an object.

Incorrect usage

❌ Wrong: He stepped the puddle over.

✅ Correct: He stepped over the puddle.

💡 Tip: Do not separate the verb and particle.

Wrong metaphorical context

❌ Wrong: He stepped over his sadness.

✅ Correct: He overcame his sadness.

💡 Tip: Use ‘overcome’ for emotions.

Practice

STEP OVER - 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

She stepped over the fallen branches with care and precision.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The athlete confidently stepped over each hurdle during the race.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

They stepped over the line, entering into a new territory of negotiations.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

overcome bypass

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The cat gracefully ___ over the sleeping dog."

steps

step over

steppings

stepping

"In life's journey, when faced with obstacles, sometimes the best wisdom is to simply step over them and continue forward."

In Context

On the morning of July 14, 1789, the streets of Paris buzzed with restless energy. The citizens gathered near the Bastille, a fortress symbolizing royal authority. Among them was a young revolutionary, Pierre Rousseau. As tensions heightened, Pierre found himself at the front line, determined to step over the barriers of oppression. With fervor in his heart and conviction in his voice, he encouraged his fellow Parisians to step over their fears and push forward. As the angry mob stormed the Bastille, they brought an era of tyranny to its knees. Once the dust settled, it wasn't just the physical structure they had conquered but an abstract idea of a future unfettered by tyranny. As the Bastille fell, Pierre and his compatriots realized they had stepped over the vestiges of a bygone era, ushering in a new dawn for France. The Revolution unfolds, born from the will of the people who dared to step over the shackles of an unjust monarchy. In later years, Pierre would reflect on that fateful day, a testament to what people could achieve when they dared to step over the seemingly insurmountable.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Step Over

What is the origin of step over?

The phrasal verb 'step over' primarily derives from literal movement, historically first noted in English texts during the 16th century, as people physically traversed obstacles. It evolved to metaphorically represent overcoming challenges or barriers, reflecting the human journey through both tangible and intangible difficulties.

Can step over be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Step over' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. In formal usage, it can describe strategic or business decisions, whereas informally, it suits everyday situations, like avoiding literal obstacles. Its neutrality makes it applicable across various settings without sounding out of place.

What is the difference between step over and overcome?

'Step over' often implies bypassing or avoiding an obstacle, while 'overcome' indicates confronting and defeating a challenge. 'Overcome' suggests a more direct engagement with an issue, whereas 'step over' may imply a simpler, more tactical avoidance of a hindrance.

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

STEP OVER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Step Over

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega