COME ACROSS

National Parks

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come across' means to find or encounter something or someone unexpectedly. It can also mean to give a certain impression or appearance to others.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come across' means to find or encounter something or someone unexpectedly. It can also mean to give a certain impression or appearance to others.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and particle must stay together.
Register
Neutral
The phrase is appropriately used in informal and formal settings.
Transitive
Yes
It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple come across I often come across interesting facts while reading.
Past Simple came across She came across an old friend at the market.
Present Continuous coming across They are coming across as quite sincere in their efforts.
Present Perfect have come across We have come across this issue several times.

💡 When to Use

discovering something unexpectedly
Use 'come across' when you find or discover something or someone by chance, often without seeking.
Example: "I came across an old diary while cleaning."
general first impressions
Use it to describe initial impressions someone or something gives another person.
Example: "He comes across as friendly but reserved."
communicating ideas effectively
Use when something is understood or received clearly by others, like in communication settings.
Example: "Her message came across very clearly during the presentation."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

misused verb preposition
❌ Wrong: I across come this mistake often.
✅ Correct: I come across this mistake often.
💡 Tip: Remember the order: 'come across', not the reverse.
separability error
❌ Wrong: I came an interesting book across yesterday.
✅ Correct: I came across an interesting book yesterday.
💡 Tip: Keep 'come' and 'across' together.
wrong tense usage
❌ Wrong: They are came across as rude.
✅ Correct: They came across as rude.
💡 Tip: Ensure the verb tense matches the context.
Practice

COME ACROSS - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

encounter discover

Antonyms

miss

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"I ___ a fascinating article about space exploration in the magazine."

come off
come across
come into
come upon

"In life's journey, sometimes we come across not just obstacles but opportunities dressed as challenges, guiding us towards unexpected destinations."

In Context

In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter came across one of the most significant finds in Egyptology: the tomb of Tutankhamun. The discovery came after years of laborious excavation in the Valley of the Kings, where many believed the tombs had been exhausted. Carter, however, was persistent, driven by rumors of an untouched royal tomb. One hot November afternoon, as Carter's team was working, they came across a staircase leading downwards. Excitement surged through the team as they excavated further and found a sealed door. Behind this door lay the untouched treasures of Tutankhamun. Carter's initial glimpse through a small breach in the door revealed gold and artifacts, which he later described to his sponsor, Lord Carnarvon, as 'wonderful things'. The opening of the tomb was a momentous event, with the world eagerly awaiting news. Tutankhamun's tomb came across as an unexpected time capsule, providing insights into ancient Egyptian civilization and making headlines worldwide. The artifacts, numbering in the thousands, were meticulously cataloged and preserved, shedding light on the wealth and artistry of the New Kingdom period. Carter's discovery not only advanced archaeological methods but also reignited public interest in ancient Egypt, which has persisted to this day. His perseverance demonstrates that tenacity and keen observation can lead to monumental discoveries, sometimes hidden just beneath the surface.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come Across

What is the origin of come across?

+
The phrase 'come across' originated in the 19th century as a phrasal verb combining 'come' with the adverb 'across', implying a crossing or meeting, often unexpectedly.

Can come across be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Come across' is versatile, fitting in both formal and informal contexts. It suitably describes unexpected encounters or the impression one gives regardless of setting.

What is the difference between come across and encounter?

+
While 'come across' and 'encounter' both suggest unexpected meetings, 'come across' often implies chance finds and appearances, whereas 'encounter' emphasizes meeting, often face-to-face.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

run intofindencounterdiscovermeet
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
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



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