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 and Using 'Free Up' Effectively

"In life's intricate dance, to free up one's time is to enrich the soul's journey toward purpose and fulfillment."

📖 Definition

To free up is to make something available, generally time or resources, by removing a commitment or obstacle that is occupying it.

Examples in context

To free up space, he donated old clothes to charity.
The manager freed up funds for employee bonuses this year.
Sarah is freeing up her evening to spend time with family.

📖 Definition

To free up is to make something available, generally time or resources, by removing a commitment or obstacle that is occupying it.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The direct object can go between 'free' and 'up'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	free up	I need to free up some space in the garage.
Past Simple	freed up	We freed up the room for the guest.
Present Continuous	freeing up	She is freeing up time to work on her novel.
Present Perfect	have freed up	They have freed up funds for the new project.

💡 When to Use

Reorganizing time

Use this when you need to rearrange your schedule to allow for new activities or commitments.

Example: "He freed up his afternoon to attend the meeting."

Allocating resources

Employ this when you need to designate funds, space, or manpower for a new purpose.

Example: "They freed up budget funds for the marketing campaign."

Removing obstacles

Applicable when you clear hurdles or tasks that prevent you from progressing.

Example: "By eliminating unnecessary tasks, she freed up energy for more important work."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: She freed up herself for the afternoon.

✅ Correct: She freed herself up for the afternoon.

💡 Tip: Place pronouns between 'free' and 'up'.

Confusing separability

❌ Wrong: We up freed the room.

✅ Correct: We freed up the room.

💡 Tip: Always keep 'free' and 'up' together unless separating with the object.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: I need to free up.

✅ Correct: I need to free up some time.

💡 Tip: Always specify what you're freeing up.

Practice

FREE UP - 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

To free up space, he donated old clothes to charity.
Urban Compact Living
2
Listen to example

The manager freed up funds for employee bonuses this year.
Urban Compact Living
3
Listen to example

Sarah is freeing up her evening to spend time with family.
Urban Compact Living

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

release unblock

Antonyms

occupy

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"We need to ___ up some money for the new project."

occupied

free up

cluttered

blocked

In Context

During World War II, a pivotal event unfolded that involved freeing up vital resources. The Great Escape was a daring escape by Allied prisoners from Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp. To free up space, the German guards moved prisoners regularly, unaware of a secret operation beneath their feet. Led by Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, the prisoners dug three tunnels, named Tom, Dick, and Harry. Their goal was to free up manpower from the camp and wreak havoc on German resources. Throughout 1943, they secretly worked, freeing up time during night shifts to dig and dispose of soil. Eventually, on March 24, 1944, seventy-six men crawled through the tunnel, though only three ultimately reached safety. The escape diverted German forces, freeing up some pressure on the Allied front. Though the mission was fraught with peril and loss, its audacity freed up enough disruption to leave a lasting impact on the war effort.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Free Up

What is the origin of free up?

The phrasal verb 'free up' derives from the base word 'free', which has Old English roots. 'Up' acts as an intensifier to create nuances, likely arising in Modern English to express releasing resources or efforts.

Can free up be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'free up' is versatile and used in both formal and informal contexts. It suits business documents like strategic reports, as well as casual dialogues concerning scheduling or resource management.

What is the difference between free up and release?

'Free up' denotes making something available by removing constraints, whereas 'release' generally implies officially allowing something to go free. 'Free up' is broader and often involves scheduling or resource management.

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

FREE UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Free Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega