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 'Get Stronger'

📖 Definition

To improve one's physical or mental strength over time through effort, resilience, or determination, often in response to challenges or adversity.

Examples in context

After months of rehabilitation, the athlete finally began to get stronger.
With each obstacle she faced, her resolve to get stronger never wavered.
The economy began to get stronger as new policies were implemented.

📖 Definition

To improve one's physical or mental strength over time through effort, resilience, or determination, often in response to challenges or adversity.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle stay together.

Neutral

Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	get stronger	She works out every day to get stronger.
Past Simple	got stronger	The team got stronger after intensive practice.
Present Continuous	getting stronger	He is getting stronger with each passing day.
Present Perfect	has gotten stronger	She has gotten stronger since starting her new training regimen.

💡 When to Use

Overcoming personal challenges

Use when discussing growth resulting from facing difficulties and overcoming challenges over time.

Example: "After facing many setbacks, he got stronger and more resilient."

Improving physical capabilities

Use when referring to enhancements in physical strength through consistent exercise or training.

Example: "By increasing her weights, she got stronger every session."

Enhancing organizational strength

Use when talking about institutions or teams improving their capacity or influence.

Example: "The company got stronger by investing in new technology."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: He gets stronger and stronger yesterday.

✅ Correct: He got stronger and stronger yesterday.

💡 Tip: Choose the correct tense based on time context.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: She trying to get stronger.

✅ Correct: She is trying to get stronger.

💡 Tip: Ensure proper auxiliary verbs are included.

Incorrect use of separability

❌ Wrong: Get yourself stronger.

✅ Correct: Get stronger yourself.

💡 Tip: Remember 'get stronger' is inseparable.

Practice

GET STRONGER - 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 months of rehabilitation, the athlete finally began to get stronger.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

With each obstacle she faced, her resolve to get stronger never wavered.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

The economy began to get stronger as new policies were implemented.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

gain strength build strength

Antonyms

weaken

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"To overcome adversity, one must strive to ___ stronger."

gets

get stronger

gotten

getting

"In the journey of life, challenges teach us to get stronger, turning every hardship into a stepping stone for personal growth."

In Context

During the early 20th century, Japan underwent significant transformation during the Meiji Restoration, which marked the end of isolationist policies and the modernization of the country. Emperor Meiji led Japan through an era of rapid industrialization and westernization, helping the nation to get stronger both economically and politically. Initially, Japan was largely agrarian, with limited technology and outdated military capabilities. As the nation embraced change, it invested in modern industries, infrastructure, and military reforms. These strategic changes allowed Japan to get stronger, becoming a formidable power by the early 20th century. The Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 exemplified this growth, as Japan defeated China, asserting itself in regional politics. This victory was symbolic of how grounded reforms under Emperor Meiji helped Japan get stronger and establish itself as an emerging power in Asia. World War I further showcased Japan's growing strength, as it seized German territories in Asia and gained recognition as a major player on the world stage. By the end of the Meiji era, Japan had transformed into a competitive, industrialized nation. The dedication to getting stronger, both internally and externally, reshaped Japan’s identity, influencing its trajectory in global history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Get Stronger

What is the origin of get stronger?

The phrase 'get stronger' originates from the English language, representing a compound verb structure combining 'get,' meaning to become or acquire, with 'stronger,' an adjective form of 'strong,' first recorded in English usage during the 12th century.

Can get stronger be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Get stronger' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is applicable across various scenarios, from professional discussions on economic growth to casual conversations about personal fitness, making it a neutral expression.

What is the difference between get stronger and gain strength?

'Get stronger' focuses on the process of gaining strength, often implying active effort and time. In contrast, 'gain strength' primarily highlights acquiring strength, which can happen passively or actively, depending on the context used.

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

GET STRONGER - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Get Stronger

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega