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: Wear Down

📖 Definition

To wear down means to gradually exhaust or weaken someone or something through persistent pressure or repeated actions, leading to eventual surrender or capitulation. This can occur physically or mentally through continuous effort or stress.

Examples in context

The endless traffic wore down the driver's patience by evening.
Her persistence wore down the skeptics until they agreed.
Constant training is meant to wear down resistance and build endurance.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between the verb and particle.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	wear down	The continuous pressure will wear down the resisting forces.
Past Simple	wore down	They wore down the opposition over several months.
Present Continuous	wearing down	The constant questioning is wearing down his patience.
Present Perfect	have worn down	The nurses have worn down the fever with dedication.

💡 When to Use

During prolonged negotiations

Use when a person persistently maintains their position until the opposing party concedes.

Example: "Through patience, they wore down the committee's resistance."

In efforts to decrease resistance

Applied when consistent action results in reduced resistance or opposition.

Example: "The repetitive questioning wore down the suspect's defense."

In fatigue from repetitive tasks

Utilized when repetitive mundane tasks lead to mental or physical fatigue.

Example: "The endless paperwork wore down the office staff."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect verb tense

❌ Wrong: They have wear down their opponents.

✅ Correct: They have worn down their opponents.

💡 Tip: Remember that 'worn' is the past participle of 'wear'.

Incorrect placement of object

❌ Wrong: They wore them down quickly.

✅ Correct: They wore down them quickly.

💡 Tip: Place the object after the particle when needed.

Using 'wear' without context

❌ Wrong: This wear the mind down.

✅ Correct: This wears the mind down.

💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement for singular subjects.

Practice

WEAR 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 endless traffic wore down the driver's patience by evening.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Her persistence wore down the skeptics until they agreed.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Constant training is meant to wear down resistance and build endurance.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

erode diminish

Antonyms

strengthen

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Daily stress can ___ anyone's resolve."

wore down

wear down

wearing down

worn down

"As the relentless tide wears down the rocks, so too does time wear down the strongest of resolves."

In Context

In 1781, General George Washington faced an arduous military campaign against British forces during the American Revolutionary War. The British, under General Cornwallis, settled in Yorktown, Virginia, with their fortified positions appearing formidable. However, Washington, alongside French allies, was determined to wear down the British defenses. The siege of Yorktown commenced in September and was marked by systematic bombardment and encirclement. The British were slowly worn down by continuous artillery fire and the effective blockade that cut off their supplies. The strategy employed by Washington was not merely a direct clash but a relentless wearing down of resources and morale. By mid-October, the British forces were significantly depleted and demoralized. Cornwallis, realizing that reinforcements were unlikely and his troops were exhausted, ultimately decided to surrender. The wearing down strategy employed by Washington was pivotal in this decisive victory, marking the end of major hostilities in the war. The ability to adapt and apply pressure strategically without direct confrontation illustrated the power of wearing down an opponent over time until they meet their breaking point.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Wear Down

What is the origin of wear down?

The phrase 'wear down' originates from the physical act of wearing, associated with clothing and objects becoming thin or diminished through friction or use, extending metaphorically to mental or emotional states.

Can wear down be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'wear down' is used across both formal and informal contexts. In formal contexts, it’s often seen in literature and reports, while in informal settings, it might be used in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between wear down and erode?

'Wear down' conveys a sense of exhaustion or weakening usually through persistent effort or stress, whereas 'erode' implies a more natural, gradual deterioration, often through environmental factors like wind or water.

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

WEAR DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Wear Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega