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 'Face Up To' | Definition and Examples

📖 Definition

To confront or accept something difficult or challenging. It implies acknowledging reality, often requiring courage and proactive action.

Examples in context

The manager had to face up to the company's declining profits.
Despite criticism, activists continue to face up to climate change.
John decided to face up to his fear of public speaking.

📖 Definition

To confront or accept something difficult or challenging. It implies acknowledging reality, often requiring courage and proactive action.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Cannot be split with an object between 'face' and 'up to.'

Neutral

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object, which is the challenge or issue being confronted.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	face up to	They need to face up to their financial problems.
Past Simple	faced up to	She faced up to her fears yesterday.
Present Continuous	facing up to	He is facing up to his responsibilities now.
Present Perfect	have faced up to	We have faced up to numerous challenges this year.

💡 When to Use

Confronting a personal challenge

Use when someone acknowledges and begins dealing with a personal or emotional issue.

Example: "He finally faced up to his social anxiety."

Addressing a societal problem

Appropriate when discussing how individuals or groups tackle wider societal issues.

Example: "The community has to face up to systemic poverty."

Accepting a difficult truth

Apply this when someone must accept a harsh or unpleasant fact.

Example: "She had to face up to the reality of her situation."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: They is face up to the issue.

✅ Correct: They are facing up to the issue.

💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement for correct tense.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: He won't face up to.

✅ Correct: He won't face up to his mistakes.

💡 Tip: Always include the challenge or issue being addressed.

Improper context

❌ Wrong: She will face up to lunch.

✅ Correct: She will face up to the consequences.

💡 Tip: Use with challenges, not everyday actions.

Practice

FACE UP 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

The manager had to face up to the company's declining profits.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Despite criticism, activists continue to face up to climate change.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

John decided to face up to his fear of public speaking.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

confront tackle

Antonyms

avoid

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"To move forward, she needed to ___ her past mistakes."

facing for

face up to

up with

over up

"When life's storms brew fierce and mighty, wise are those who face up to challenges with courage and clarity."

In Context

During the American Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks faced up to tremendous societal pressures when she refused to give up her bus seat on December 1, 1955. Her courageous act of defiance was not isolated; rather, it sparked a larger bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, which was a pivotal moment in the fight against racial segregation. Parks was often asked how she found the strength to face up to the inevitable backlash and adversity that followed her decision. Her response was simple: she could no longer face being treated as a second-class citizen and chose to face up to the consequences for a brighter future. Rosa Parks' bravery inspired many others to face up to injustice. Her actions led to the Supreme Court's decision that segregation on public buses was unconstitutional. This victory was not just a testament to legal justice but a validation that when individuals face up to societal evils with resilience, real change can occur. Parks continued to be an advocate for civil rights throughout her life, inspiring generations to follow in her footsteps and face up to oppression with determination. Her legacy endures, reminding us that facing up to unfairness is both a personal and collective duty.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Face Up To

What is the origin of face up to?

The phrasal verb 'face up to' stems from the idea of presenting one's face towards a challenge or problem, signifying readiness to address it. While 'face' has Old English roots, the expression has evolved to emphasize the posture of courage and confrontation over time.

Can face up to be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'face up to' is versatile and can be employed in formal and informal contexts. It aptly describes confronting any issue ranging from personal dilemmas to professional challenges. Its neutral register makes it suitable for academic writing and casual conversation alike.

What is the difference between face up to and confront?

While both 'face up to' and 'confront' imply dealing with challenges, 'face up to' often suggests an acceptance followed by action, whereas 'confront' can imply more direct and immediate action. 'Confront' may also connote a verbal or physical challenge, unlike 'face up to.'

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

FACE UP TO - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Face Up To

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega