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 'Keep in Check'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'keep in check' means to control, restrain, or limit someone or something to prevent it from becoming too powerful or dominant.

Examples in context

The new policy helps to keep risks in check by enforcing strict guidelines.
Parents often struggle to keep their children's screen time in check.
Environmental regulations are crucial to keep pollution levels in check.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'keep in check' means to control, restrain, or limit someone or something to prevent it from becoming too powerful or dominant.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

'Keep in check' can be split by object: keep the costs in check.

Neutral

Used equally in formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object; something is controlled or restrained.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	keep in check	They keep their spending in check by budgeting carefully.
Past Simple	kept in check	The manager kept the team's enthusiasm in check with clear guidelines.
Present Continuous	keeping in check	She is keeping her emotions in check during the presentation.
Present Perfect	have kept in check	We have kept the situation in check through careful planning.

💡 When to Use

Control spending

When managing finances, to maintain expense levels and prevent overspending.

Example: "They keep their household budget in check by avoiding unnecessary purchases."

Manage emotions

When in stressful situations, to maintain calm and prevent emotional outbursts.

Example: "He kept his anger in check during the heated debate."

Limit influence

To prevent a person or group's power from becoming excessive or harmful.

Example: "The government keeps monopolies in check through regulations."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: You should keep in check.

✅ Correct: You should keep your expenses in check.

💡 Tip: Always specify what is being kept in check.

Misplacing object

❌ Wrong: Keep in the check their power.

✅ Correct: Keep their power in check.

💡 Tip: Place the object between 'keep' and 'in check'.

Incorrectly splitting phrase

❌ Wrong: Keep in their emotions check.

✅ Correct: Keep their emotions in check.

💡 Tip: Keep object placement in the middle of the phrase.

Practice

KEEP IN CHECK - 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 new policy helps to keep risks in check by enforcing strict guidelines.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Parents often struggle to keep their children's screen time in check.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Environmental regulations are crucial to keep pollution levels in check.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

control restrain

Antonyms

release

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The manager needs to ___ her team's enthusiasm in check during the meeting."

place

keep in check

keep off

take

"To keep desires in check is to master one's own destiny, fostering a life of discipline and profound inner peace."

In Context

In the late 19th century, at the height of his career, Thomas Edison faced the monumental task of keeping his burgeoning company in check. Edison's Menlo Park laboratory was a bustling hub of innovation where engineers and inventors tirelessly worked on new technologies. However, as the company expanded, challenges arose. Labor issues, supply shortages, and growing competition tested Edison's leadership. Despite these pressures, Edison knew he had to keep the costs and the expectations in check to ensure the sustainability of his enterprise. In one instance, during the development of the phonograph, unanticipated costs threatened the project’s viability. Edison personally intervened to negotiate with suppliers and keep spending within budget. He addressed his team, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and keeping deadlines in check to avoid delays. Towards the end of his life, Edison reflected on his career, acknowledging that a critical factor to his success was his ability to adapt, manage resources effectively, and keep ambitions and operations in check. His dedication ensured that his inventions not only survived the test of time but also laid the foundation for modern technological advancements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Keep In Check

What is the origin of 'keep in check'?

The phrase originates from the sport of chess in the 14th century, where 'check' refers to controlling the king, preventing it from moving freely.

Can 'keep in check' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'keep in check' is versatile, suitable for both formal writing, such as business contexts, and informal conversations about personal life.

What is the difference between 'keep in check' and 'control'?

'Keep in check' implies ongoing prevention of excess or chaos, while 'control' signifies direction or regulation of something already established.

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

KEEP IN CHECK - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Keep In Check

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega