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 the Phrasal Verb: Fade Out

"As life's fervent colors eventually fade out, embrace the journey, understanding that even the most vibrant moments must gently conclude."

📖 Definition

Fade out refers to the process of gradually losing intensity, brightness, or importance until something becomes indistinct or disappears entirely.

Examples in context

The lights in the theater began to fade out, signaling the end of the performance.
As the years have passed, certain traditions have gradually faded out of practice.
The memory of that summer day will eventually fade out, like a distant echo.

📖 Definition

Fade out refers to the process of gradually losing intensity, brightness, or importance until something becomes indistinct or disappears entirely.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object cannot be placed between the verb and the particle.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object reflecting what is becoming less distinct.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	fade out	The sound begins to fade out as the concert ends.
Past Simple	faded out	The image of the sunset faded out slowly.
Present Continuous	fading out	The noise is fading out as we drive away.
Present Perfect	have faded out	Many traditions have faded out over the years.

💡 When to Use

Diminishing sound or light

Use when describing sound or light reducing until it disappears, such as music ending or lights dimming.

Example: "The concert ended, and the music faded out gradually."

Decline over time

Appropriate for discussing anything that loses significance or intensity gradually, like a fashion trend.

Example: "As the years passed, the elaborate fashion trend faded out."

Emotional or memory decline

Describes how emotions or memories may become less vivid or remembered over time.

Example: "Her childhood memories have faded out since she left town."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using as transitive without an object

❌ Wrong: As the light dims, it fades out.

✅ Correct: As the light dims, it fades out of view.

💡 Tip: Always include what is fading out.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: His fame fade out quickly.

✅ Correct: His fame faded out quickly.

💡 Tip: Ensure the tense matches the timeline.

Separating the phrasal verb

❌ Wrong: The image faded smoothly out.

✅ Correct: The image smoothly faded out.

💡 Tip: Keep 'fade' and 'out' together.

Practice

FADE 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

The lights in the theater began to fade out, signaling the end of the performance.
Bridging The Distance
2
Listen to example

As the years have passed, certain traditions have gradually faded out of practice.
Bridging The Distance
3
Listen to example

The memory of that summer day will eventually fade out, like a distant echo.
Bridging The Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

dissolve vanish

Antonyms

intensify

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The music began to ___ as the scene shifted to a quieter moment."

fading off

fade out

fade over

fade down

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Fade Out

What is the origin of fade out?

The phrase 'fade out' originated in the early 20th century, primarily in film and broadcasting, describing a gradual decrease in light or sound intensity.

Can fade out be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'fade out' is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal settings, often used to describe transitions in movies, music, and broader narratives.

What is the difference between fade out and dissolve?

'Fade out' often suggests a gradual reduction in light or sound, while 'dissolve' implies merging into something else, often without indicating sound or light specifics.

Browse All Bridging The Distance 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

FADE OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Fade Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega