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 'Weigh Down'

📖 Definition

To weigh down means to burden someone or something, either physically with a heavy load or emotionally with stress and worries.

Examples in context

The stress of exams can weigh down many students, causing anxiety.
Heavy rains weighed down the branches, threatening to snap them.
The constant social pressure can weigh down even the strongest individuals.

📖 Definition

To weigh down means to burden someone or something, either physically with a heavy load or emotionally with stress and worries.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb 'weigh down' can be separated by an object, e.g., 'weigh the bag down'.

Neutral

It can be used in both formal and informal contexts without any change in meaning.

Transitive

Yes

'Weigh down' requires a direct object, meaning something or someone must be burdened.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	weigh down	The heavy workload weighs him down.
Past Simple	weighed down	Yesterday, the responsibilities weighed her down.
Present Continuous	weighing down	The ongoing crisis is weighing down the team.
Present Perfect	have weighed down	They have weighed down everyone with their decisions.

💡 When to Use

With physical burdens

Use when describing a situation where a heavy object is physically burdening someone or something.

Example: "The books weighed down the shelves."

Expressing emotional stress

Use when talking about emotional or mental stress that feels overwhelming.

Example: "Her worries were weighing her down."

Describing oppressive conditions

Use to talk about conditions or circumstances that make life difficult or oppressive.

Example: "The economic crisis weighed down the country."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using without object

❌ Wrong: The worries weigh down.

✅ Correct: The worries weigh him down.

💡 Tip: Always include an object after 'weigh down'.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: The situation weighs.

✅ Correct: The situation weighs him down.

💡 Tip: 'Weigh down' requires something to be burdened.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: She will weighing down the project.

✅ Correct: She will weigh down the project.

💡 Tip: Ensure correct verb tense is used.

Practice

WEIGH 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 stress of exams can weigh down many students, causing anxiety.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Heavy rains weighed down the branches, threatening to snap them.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The constant social pressure can weigh down even the strongest individuals.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

burden encumber

Antonyms

uplift

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Financial obligations can ___ many families, making daily life stressful."

lift up

weigh down

cheer up

urge on

"When life's burdens weigh you down, seek wisdom to levitate the soul and free yourself from unseen shackles."

In Context

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt faced immense challenges as economic hardships weighed down the American people. Elected in 1932, he took office at a time when unemployment rates soared, and businesses shuttered across the nation. Roosevelt, acknowledging how the despair weighed down on every citizen, initiated the New Deal, a series of programs and policies aimed at economic recovery. As the Depression continued to weigh down on the administration, Roosevelt employed innovative approaches such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and Social Security Act to alleviate individual burdens. His famous 'fireside chats' offered reassurance and renewed hope, lifting spirits that had been weighed down by years of financial struggle. By the end of his presidency, although many challenges remained, his efforts had lessened the weight of despair that had once threatened to crush the nation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Weigh Down

What is the origin of weigh down?

The term 'weigh down' originates from the Old English 'wegan' meaning 'to carry' or 'to bear'. It traditionally related to physical heaviness but evolved to encompass emotional or mental burdens over time.

Can weigh down be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'weigh down' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Its application spans various scenarios, including personal, professional, and literary contexts, without altering its meaning.

What is the difference between weigh down and burden?

'Weigh down' implies both physical and emotional heaviness, often temporary. 'Burden' also implies heaviness but can denote a long-term or more pervasive encumbrance. Both can relate to tangible and intangible weights.

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

WEIGH DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Weigh Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega