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: Lay Groundwork

"To lay the groundwork is to plant seeds of future success, nurturing dreams with patience and persistence each day."

📖 Definition

To lay the groundwork means to establish necessary conditions or prepare the base for future development or success in a project or task.

Examples in context

The committee laid the groundwork for policy changes on environmental issues.
He is laying the groundwork for his new novel by researching extensively.
Have you laid the groundwork for the upcoming presentation?

📖 Definition

To lay the groundwork means to establish necessary conditions or prepare the base for future development or success in a project or task.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The phrase can be split; 'lay' and 'groundwork' can be used with words between them.

Neutral

Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

The verb requires a direct object, as in 'lay the groundwork for a project'.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	lay groundwork	They lay the groundwork for the new process.
Past Simple	laid groundwork	We laid the groundwork for negotiations last year.
Present Continuous	laying groundwork	The team is laying groundwork for the expansion.
Present Perfect	have laid groundwork	She has laid the groundwork for future research.

💡 When to Use

Beginning a new project

Use when preparing initial steps and foundations necessary to start a project or task successfully.

Example: "We need to lay the groundwork before launching the new initiative."

Planning long-term goals

Use when creating conditions for achieving future long-term objectives, ensuring all elements are in place.

Example: "By laying the groundwork now, we ensure greater success later."

Strategizing organizational change

Use when developing strategies for significant changes in an organization, ensuring smooth implementation.

Example: "The CEO laid the groundwork for the company's transformation."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object

❌ Wrong: They lay groundwork for.

✅ Correct: They lay the groundwork for expansion.

💡 Tip: Remember to include the object after 'for'.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: She lay the groundwork yesterday.

✅ Correct: She laid the groundwork yesterday.

💡 Tip: Use 'laid' for past tense scenarios.

Phrase order

❌ Wrong: Groundwork lay for the project.

✅ Correct: Lay the groundwork for the project.

💡 Tip: Always start with 'lay' followed by the groundwork.

Practice

LAY GROUNDWORK - 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 committee laid the groundwork for policy changes on environmental issues.
Voices Across Distance
2
Listen to example

He is laying the groundwork for his new novel by researching extensively.
Voices Across Distance
3
Listen to example

Have you laid the groundwork for the upcoming presentation?
Voices Across Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

prepare establish

Antonyms

neglect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"They plan to ___ the groundwork for a new marketing strategy."

lie

lay groundwork

laid

lying

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lay Groundwork

What is the origin of lay groundwork?

The phrase 'lay groundwork' derives from construction terminology, metaphorically referring to laying a solid foundation necessary for building structures, tasks, or concepts. It emphasizes preparation essential for development, symbolizing important initial steps taken in various endeavors.

Can lay groundwork be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'lay groundwork' is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in professional achievements, education, and personal planning situations, reflecting thorough preparation. Its versatility makes it applicable across various speaking and writing styles.

What is the difference between lay groundwork and prepare?

'Lay groundwork' specifically focuses on creating essential conditions for future success, serving a foundation-building role. 'Prepare' is broader, referring generally to making ready or assembling necessary elements without emphasizing initial foundational steps or settings as 'lay groundwork' does.

Browse All Voices Across Distance 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

LAY GROUNDWORK - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Lay Groundwork

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega