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 'Filter Down' in English

"In a time of change, wisdom must filter down from those who walk before us, sharing the light of experience and truth."

📖 Definition

Filter down means to gradually spread or disseminate information, ideas, or trends from a higher source to a wider audience or lower levels.

Examples in context

After the meeting, new strategies slowly filtered down to all employees.
Rumors about the merger quickly filtered down through the office.
Scientific discoveries often filter down to the public over time.

📖 Definition

Filter down means to gradually spread or disseminate information, ideas, or trends from a higher source to a wider audience or lower levels.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle are inseparable in this context.

Neutral

Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, balancing clarity and engagement.

Transitive

Does not take a direct object; focuses on the flow of information.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	filter down	New policies filter down to every department.
Past Simple	filtered down	The important memo filtered down quickly last week.
Present Continuous	filtering down	Information is filtering down from the top executives.
Present Perfect	have filtered down	The critical updates have filtered down to all staff.

💡 When to Use

Spreading news or information

Use when describing the gradual dissemination of information from one group to wider audiences.

Example: "The CEO's vision slowly filtered down to every level of the company."

Implementing policy changes

Describes how policies or rules introduced at the top reach other levels over time.

Example: "New regulations filtered down through the entire school system."

Cultural or trend adoption

Use when trends or cultural shifts start at higher echelons and spread to the public.

Example: "Fashion trends often filter down from designers to mainstream stores."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using with a direct object

❌ Wrong: The manager filtered down the instructions.

✅ Correct: The instructions filtered down from the manager.

💡 Tip: Remember it's about direction, not a direct object.

Incorrect preposition

❌ Wrong: The policy filtered up through the staff.

✅ Correct: The policy filtered down through the staff.

💡 Tip: Think of gravity; information flows downwards.

Using in immediate context

❌ Wrong: He filtered down the email right away.

✅ Correct: The email content filtered down over the week.

💡 Tip: It's a gradual process, not immediate.

Practice

FILTER DOWN - 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

After the meeting, new strategies slowly filtered down to all employees.
Urban Compact Living
2
Listen to example

Rumors about the merger quickly filtered down through the office.
Urban Compact Living
3
Listen to example

Scientific discoveries often filter down to the public over time.
Urban Compact Living

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

disseminate spread

Antonyms

conceal

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"When decisions are made at the top, they eventually ___ to lower employees."

filter up

filter down

conceal down

distill up

In Context

During the Industrial Revolution, the story of Joseph Bazalgette is an exemplary tale of how innovation and public health wisdom can filter down through society. Emerging from the grim conditions of mid-19th century London, the city suffered repeated cholera outbreaks. Contaminated water was the primary culprit, yet the knowledge of the link between sanitation and health had yet to filter down to the public and policymakers. Bazalgette, an engineer by profession and visionary by nature, designed a comprehensive sewer network that transformed London's sanitary conditions. His groundbreaking project began in 1858, which would ultimately become known as the year of the Great Stink. The foul odor emanating from the River Thames had filtered down into the lives of everyday Londoners, prompting an urgency for resolution. As the project progressed, Bazalgette's design principles started to filter down into other cities, catalyzing similar improvements globally. By implementing his plans, Bazalgette not only reduced the incidence of cholera but also inspired a wave of urban redevelopment. Over the years, the success of London's sewer system filtered down into public consciousness, demonstrating the profound impact that infrastructure improvements can have on public health. Bazalgette's legacy endures as cities worldwide continue to benefit from his pioneering work.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Filter Down

What is the origin of filter down?

The phrase 'filter down' originates from metaphorical language in which information or trends gradually permeate from higher levels to lower layers, similar to how a liquid filters through a medium.

Can filter down be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'filter down' is versatile and applicable in formal and informal contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for official reports, casual conversations, and educational settings alike.

What is the difference between filter down and disseminate?

'Filter down' implies a gradual process of reaching lower levels, whereas 'disseminate' suggests a more active or deliberate spreading of information across a wider audience.

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

FILTER DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Filter Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega