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 'Branch Out': Definition & Usage

“When life offers a narrow path, remember to branch out, seeking growth in unexpected places, enhancing wisdom and understanding.”

📖 Definition

To branch out means to expand or diversify one’s skills or interests into new areas. It involves exploring new possibilities beyond one’s usual activities or expertise.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

Can be separated by an object. 'Branch out your interests.'

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and professional contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Needs a direct object when separating.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	branch out	She wants to branch out into new markets.
Past Simple	branched out	He branched out into different genres last year.
Present Continuous	branching out	They are branching out to different regions.
Present Perfect	have branched out	Many companies have branched out successfully.

💡 When to Use

Expanding a business

Use when discussing how a business can explore new markets to increase growth.

Example: “The company decided to branch out into Asia.”

Exploring hobbies

Apply when someone tries new activities to expand personal interests.

Example: “After retiring, she branched out into painting.”

Developing skills

Utilize when acquiring new skills beyond one's current expertise.

Example: “He branched out by learning programming.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misuse in a non-expansive context

❌ Wrong: I'll branch out the math problem.

✅ Correct: I'll solve the math problem.

💡 Tip: Use 'branch out' for expanding, not solving.

Incorrect separation

❌ Wrong: Branch interests out your.

✅ Correct: Branch your interests out.

💡 Tip: Place the object between 'branch' and 'out'.

Wrong use in continuous form

❌ Wrong: I am branching hobby.

✅ Correct: I am branching out into a hobby.

💡 Tip: Include 'into' for destinations or areas.

Practice

BRANCH OUT – 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

To stay competitive, the tech firm branched out into web services.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Branch out and explore different cuisines to expand your culinary expertise.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Many artists branch out to reach wider audiences and express diverse themes.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

diversify expand

Antonyms

specialize

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“Young entrepreneurs must learn to ___ out to succeed.”

stem

branch out

focus

narrow

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Branch Out

What is the origin of branch out?

The phrasal verb 'branch out' derives from tree branches spreading from the trunk, symbolizing growth and diversification. It started appearing in English around the 19th century.

Can branch out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'branch out' is neutral and versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts. It effectively conveys expansion or diversification in various settings without being too casual or too formal.

What is the difference between branch out and diversify?

While both mean expanding or varying activities, 'branch out' emphasizes personal or organizational growth into new areas, whereas 'diversify' often highlights spreading resources to reduce risk.

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