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 and Using 'Ward Off' Efficiently

📖 Definition

To ward off means to prevent or repel something unwanted or harmful, such as dangers, threats, or illnesses, from approaching or impacting.

Examples in context

Ancient charms were believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
She carried an umbrella to ward off any unexpected rain showers.
Meditation helps him ward off stress and maintain focus.

📖 Definition

To ward off means to prevent or repel something unwanted or harmful, such as dangers, threats, or illnesses, from approaching or impacting.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can come between 'ward' and 'off'.

Neutral

Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object that is being warded off.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	ward off	He eats garlic daily to ward off colds.
Past Simple	warded off	She warded off financial ruin by budgeting carefully.
Present Continuous	warding off	The community is warding off threats with unity.
Present Perfect	have warded off	They have warded off many challenges with their determination.

💡 When to Use

Preventing illness or danger

Use when discussing actions to protect oneself from physical or metaphorical threats.

Example: "She took vitamin C to ward off a cold."

Protective strategies

Use when describing measures taken to avert potential issues or negative outcomes.

Example: "The new policy helps ward off economic collapse."

Averting unwanted interactions

Use when one is taking action to prevent unwanted social or environmental interactions.

Example: "He wore headphones to ward off conversation."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: He ward offed the danger.

✅ Correct: He warded off the danger.

💡 Tip: Remember to conjugate 'ward' correctly.

Using without object

❌ Wrong: She warded off.

✅ Correct: She warded off the threat.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being warded off.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: He wards offed the danger.

✅ Correct: He warded off the danger.

💡 Tip: Be mindful of the tense you're using.

Practice

WARD OFF - 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

Ancient charms were believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

She carried an umbrella to ward off any unexpected rain showers.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Meditation helps him ward off stress and maintain focus.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

fend off repel

Antonyms

invite

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"A good night's sleep is important to ___ illness."

call on

ward off

bring in

embrace

"To ward off life's storms, cultivate inner calm and resilience, for true strength lies within, not in external defenses."

In Context

In the late 19th century, Dr. Joseph Lister, a pioneering British surgeon, fundamentally transformed the medical field with his discovery of antiseptic techniques. During an era when post-surgical infections were rampant, Lister sought to ward off these infections that plagued his patients. Reflecting on Pasteur's germ theory, he deduced that bacteria in the air might infect wounds, causing death. By introducing carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and clean wounds, he effectively warded off bacteria that previously led to high mortality rates in surgery. His pioneering efforts to ward off infection met with skepticism initially. Yet, after demonstrating significant reductions in infection rates at his hospital, his methods gained traction globally. Surgeons worldwide adopted Lister's antiseptic techniques, revolutionizing the way surgeries were performed and vastly improving patient survival rates. By the end of his career, Lister had successfully warded off the specter of infection that loomed over the operating theater, leaving a lasting legacy on modern medicine. His work set the foundation for today’s sterile surgical environments, proving that one person's dedication can dramatically improve medical outcomes and ward off ailments once deemed inevitable.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Ward Off

What is the origin of ward off?

The phrase originates from the Old English word 'weardian', meaning to guard or protect, and 'off', indicating an action of repelling.

Can ward off be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'ward off' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, allowing flexibility in conversations about prevention and protection.

What is the difference between ward off and fend off?

'Ward off' implies prevention from a distance, while 'fend off' suggests a more active or physical repelling.

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

WARD OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Ward Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega