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: Listen In

"To truly understand, one must listen in silence, absorbing not only the words but also the feelings within each pause."

📖 Definition

To listen in means to participate in or overhear a conversation or broadcast without being directly involved, often in a discreet manner.

Examples in context

During meetings, he would often listen in to understand the team's challenges better.
The journalist skillfully listened in to gather exclusive insights for her article.
At parties, she would subtly listen in to everyone's stories, learning much more than expected.

📖 Definition

To listen in means to participate in or overhear a conversation or broadcast without being directly involved, often in a discreet manner.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This verb cannot be split; 'in' must directly follow 'listen'.

Neutral

This phrasal verb can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

This verb does not take a direct object; it describes an action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	listen in	They often listen in on conference calls.
Past Simple	listened in	She listened in on the board meeting yesterday.
Present Continuous	listening in	He is listening in on the conversation right now.
Present Perfect	have listened in	They have listened in on our discussions frequently.

💡 When to Use

In a formal meeting

Use it when describing someone discreetly attending or overhearing a formal meeting or conference.

Example: "She will listen in on the negotiation to gather insights."

During casual conversations

Applicable when someone is overhearing a casual discussion without directly participating.

Example: "He likes to listen in on our group chats."

While broadcasting

Used when referring to the act of tuning into a broadcast or radio show.

Example: "They prefer to listen in on talk shows during their commute."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using object with phrasal verb

❌ Wrong: I listened in the conversation.

✅ Correct: I listened in on the conversation.

💡 Tip: Remember 'on' is essential for this phrasal verb.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: She is listen in on us.

✅ Correct: She is listening in on us.

💡 Tip: Ensure the correct continuous form is used.

Omitting 'in'

❌ Wrong: They listen to the show.

✅ Correct: They listen in on the show.

💡 Tip: Don't drop 'in' when using this verb.

Practice

LISTEN IN - 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

During meetings, he would often listen in to understand the team's challenges better.
Voices Across Distance
2
Listen to example

The journalist skillfully listened in to gather exclusive insights for her article.
Voices Across Distance
3
Listen to example

At parties, she would subtly listen in to everyone's stories, learning much more than expected.
Voices Across Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

eavesdrop overhear

Antonyms

ignore

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She loved to ___ on the lively conversations at the café."

hear

listen in

watch

talk

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Listen In

What is the origin of listen in?

The phrase 'listen in' is derived from early 20th-century radio language, where individuals would tune in to broadcasts, often silently and secretly.

Can listen in be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'listen in' can be utilized in both contexts, functioning aptly in formal settings like meetings and informal situations like casual conversations.

What is the difference between listen in and eavesdrop?

While both imply overhearing conversations, 'listen in' is often neutral, whereas 'eavesdrop' suggests secrecy and potentially unethical behavior.

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

LISTEN IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Listen In

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega