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 'Break Free From': Usage & Examples

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'break free from' means to escape from a physical or metaphorical restriction or confinement, achieving independence.

Examples in context

The prisoner longed to break free from his confinement and see the sun.
Artists often struggle to break free from traditional forms to create unique works.
After years of hard work, they were finally able to break free from debt.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'break free from' means to escape from a physical or metaphorical restriction or confinement, achieving independence.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb can have an object between 'break' and 'free.'

Neutral

'Break free from' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

It does not require a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	break free from	They break free from their fears through bravery.
Past Simple	broke free from	She broke free from the constraints of her past.
Present Continuous	breaking free from	He is breaking free from societal expectations.
Present Perfect	have broken free from	We have broken free from limiting beliefs.

💡 When to Use

escaping a routine

Use when describing someone's efforts to escape monotony or habitual patterns in their life.

Example: "She needed to break free from her mundane routine."

ending bad habits

Use when someone is striving to stop harmful behaviors they have struggled with.

Example: "He wants to break free from his smoking habit."

seeking independence

Use to express gaining independence from controlling or oppressive situations.

Example: "The colony aimed to break free from colonial rule."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

tense error

❌ Wrong: They break freed from the cage.

✅ Correct: They broke free from the cage.

💡 Tip: Use correct past tense form 'broke' for actions already completed.

preposition misuse

❌ Wrong: Break free of constraints.

✅ Correct: Break free from constraints.

💡 Tip: Remember: 'from' indicates separation from an origin point.

word order

❌ Wrong: To free break from constraints.

✅ Correct: To break free from constraints.

💡 Tip: Keep 'break' and 'free' together for clarity and correctness.

Practice

BREAK FREE FROM - 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 prisoner longed to break free from his confinement and see the sun.
Economic Roots of the Tiny House Idea
2
Listen to example

Artists often struggle to break free from traditional forms to create unique works.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

After years of hard work, they were finally able to break free from debt.
Alternative Communities and Camping Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

escape liberate

Antonyms

confine

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many people strive to ___ free from societal expectations."

broken

break free from

broke

braked

"To break free from limitations is to embrace the boundless possibilities that freedom offers each soul in its journey to self-fulfillment."

In Context

Harriet Tubman, one of the most courageous figures in American history, dedicated her life to helping others break free from bondage. Born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1820s, Tubman's journey to freedom was marked by great peril and determination. In 1849, she managed to break free from her enslavers, escaping to the North. Once free, Tubman could have chosen a life of safety, but instead, she returned to the South multiple times to lead others to freedom. Her work with the Underground Railroad allowed countless enslaved individuals to break free from the chains that bound them. Tubman's unparalleled bravery inspired many, earning her the nickname 'Moses.' As the Civil War erupted, Tubman assisted the Union Army, helping others to break free from the oppressive structures of slavery through intelligence and supply missions. By the end of her life, Tubman had successfully brought over 70 people to freedom and influenced countless others with her unyielding resolve. Her story is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the relentless pursuit to break free from any form of oppression.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Break Free From

What is the origin of break free from?

The phrase likely emerged in the mid-20th century, combining 'break' implying rupture and 'free' denoting liberation, to express the concept of escaping constraints.

Can break free from be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Break free from' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal situations, such as presenting a speech or casual conversation about personal growth.

What is the difference between break free from and escape?

'Break free from' emphasizes the process of liberation, while 'escape' focuses on the act of getting away. Both imply freedom from constraints but differ in nuance.

Browse All Tiny House 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

BREAK FREE FROM - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Break Free From

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega