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 'Lace Up'

📖 Definition

Lace up: To tighten and fasten laces on footwear or clothing to prepare for an activity, symbolizing readiness and preparation.

Examples in context

She laced up her running shoes before heading out for a jog.
The athlete laced up his spikes, ready for the competition ahead.
Every morning, he would lace up his boots for another day of work.

📖 Definition

Lace up: To tighten and fasten laces on footwear or clothing to prepare for an activity, symbolizing readiness and preparation.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb is not separable; 'up' follows 'lace'.

Neutral

Usable in both casual and formal contexts without altering the tone.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object, typically referring to footwear or clothing.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	lace up	I always lace up my sneakers before jogging.
Past Simple	laced up	She laced up her boots and ventured into the storm.
Present Continuous	lacing up	He is lacing up his skates before the game.
Present Perfect	have laced up	They have laced up their hiking boots for the trek.

💡 When to Use

Getting ready for an activity

Use it to describe the action of preparing with appropriate footwear or clothing before engaging in an activity.

Example: "She laced up her ballet shoes for the performance."

Symbolizing preparation

Metaphorically use it to indicate mental or physical readiness for a challenge or task.

Example: "He laced up for the big presentation at work."

In instructions or guides

Frequently used in manuals or guides to instruct someone on securing laces firmly for safety.

Example: "Ensure to lace up your boots tightly before hiking."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect order

❌ Wrong: Lace your shoes up.

✅ Correct: Lace up your shoes.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'up' follows 'lace' without separating them.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: I laced up before running.

✅ Correct: I laced up my shoes before running.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being laced up.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: He laced up quickly.

✅ Correct: He laced up his boots quickly.

💡 Tip: Specify the object being laced up.

Practice

LACE 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

She laced up her running shoes before heading out for a jog.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The athlete laced up his spikes, ready for the competition ahead.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Every morning, he would lace up his boots for another day of work.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

tie up fasten

Antonyms

unlace

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before the race, she made sure to ___ her sneakers tightly."

lace

lace up

tie

fasten

"To lace up one's shoes is to prepare for the journey ahead, embracing the challenges and joys of each step taken."

In Context

In the late 19th century, Susan B. Anthony laced up her boots each day with determination. She was a pivotal figure in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. As she laced up, Susan recalled her journey that began in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention, where she first spoke out for women's rights. Her relentless efforts were met with resistance, but she never wavered. One morning, as Susan laced up her boots, she was filled with renewed vigor. She was on her way to address a crowd in Chicago. The anticipation grew as she laced up for what would be one of her most influential speeches, rallying both men and women to her cause. Her speeches were always fiery and passionate, and this day was no different. Despite societal opposition, Susan continued to lace up her boots and travel across the country, advocating for change. Her dedication paid off in 1920, with the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote, shortly after her death. Susan B. Anthony's legacy endures, a testament to the perseverance symbolized in the simple act of lacing up her boots each morning.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lace Up

What is the origin of lace up?

The phrase 'lace up' originates from the practical action of threading lace through shoelace holes to secure footwear. This action became a metaphor for preparation as various cultures recognized the importance of securing shoes before embarking on activities.

Can lace up be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'lace up' is versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal settings. Its use is often context-dependent, suitable for casual conversations about daily activities or metaphorically in professional settings to indicate readiness.

What is the difference between lace up and tie up?

'Lace up' specifically refers to securing something with laces, commonly shoes, whereas 'tie up' is more generic, pertaining to fastening objects using any string or rope. Both convey securing action, but 'lace up' implies laces as the fastening medium.

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

LACE UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lace Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega