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

Mastering 'Come Down To' - Definition & Usage Guide

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come down to' means to be the most essential aspect or deciding factor of a situation, idea, or decision.

Examples in context

When it comes down to crunch time, he always performs remarkably well under pressure.
Her success came down to her relentless determination and perseverance through difficult times.
Ultimately, their happiness came down to finding balance between work and personal life.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'come down to' means to be the most essential aspect or deciding factor of a situation, idea, or decision.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This phrasal verb cannot be separated by other words.

Neutral

It is used in both formal and informal contexts without a significant change in meaning.

Transitive

It does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	come down to	Success often comes down to hard work.
Past Simple	came down to	The decision came down to a single vote.
Present Continuous	coming down to	The discussion is coming down to key issues.
Present Perfect	have come down to	The problem has come down to a lack of resources.

💡 When to Use

Making a decision

Use it when highlighting the crucial factor influencing a choice or outcome.

Example: "It comes down to who can make the best offer."

Summarizing an argument

Employ it to distill complex discussions into a primary aspect or reason.

Example: "The debate comes down to individual rights."

Analyzing results

Use when identifying the core reason for a particular outcome.

Example: "The game's result came down to defense strategy."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect separation

❌ Wrong: Success comes down hard work to.

✅ Correct: Success comes down to hard work.

💡 Tip: Remember not to separate 'come down to'.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: The decision come down to budget constraints.

✅ Correct: The decision comes down to budget constraints.

💡 Tip: Use the correct verb form for tense.

Wrong register

❌ Wrong: It boils comes down to luck.

✅ Correct: It comes down to luck.

💡 Tip: Ensure the phrasal verb fits contextually, avoiding informal slang insertions.

Practice

COME DOWN TO - 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

When it comes down to crunch time, he always performs remarkably well under pressure.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Her success came down to her relentless determination and perseverance through difficult times.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Ultimately, their happiness came down to finding balance between work and personal life.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

boils down to depends on

Antonyms

irrelevant to

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The decision ___ the outcome of the negotiations."

went beyond

come down to

flew above

swam around

"Life often comes down to the choices we make, shaping our future paths and the destinies of those around us."

In Context

In the late 18th century, the French Revolution fundamentally shifted European politics. As tensions in France escalated, it all came down to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The monarchy, led by Louis XVI, faced increasing pressure from a population burdened by taxes and famine. In 1789, when the Estates-General convened, it came down to the Third Estate—the common people—who demanded a voice. They transformed into the National Assembly, asserting power away from the monarchy. This pivotal decision led to the storming of the Bastille and symbolized the struggle that brought down centuries of monarchical rule. In the ensuing chaos, foreign powers watched nervously, wondering if revolution would come down to their borders. As the Reign of Terror unfolded, even radicals like Robespierre were not spared; their fate came down to the guillotine, marking their end. By 1799, Napoleon Bonaparte rose to prominence, demonstrating that power in a post-revolutionary France came down to military prowess. This transformative era of bloodshed and reform in France came down to the relentless pursuit of power and ideals, showcasing how deeply a nation’s trajectory could change when it all came down to the voice of the people.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come Down To

What is the origin of 'come down to'?

The phrase 'come down to' emerged from Middle English and typically used in contexts of reaching a conclusion or decision that simplifies complex matters.

Can 'come down to' be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Come down to' is versatile and neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts, effectively conveying essential conclusions or decisions.

What is the difference between 'come down to' and 'depends on'?

'Come down to' emphasizes final decisions or outcomes based on a core factor, whereas 'depends on' implies conditionality or reliance on something.

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

COME DOWN TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Come Down To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega