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 'Live On': Meaning, Examples, and History

"Those who live on the strength of their beliefs build legacies that transcend time, etching their stories in the fabric of history."

📖 Definition

To sustain oneself or keep going, typically in challenging circumstances, by using specific resources or essentials like food, money, or beliefs.

Examples in context

Despite harsh conditions, she managed to live on a small grant for her studies.
The ancient traditions live on, passed down through generations.
During his travels, he had to live on very basic provisions.

📖 Definition

To sustain oneself or keep going, typically in challenging circumstances, by using specific resources or essentials like food, money, or beliefs.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb cannot be separated from its preposition.

Neutral

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object, i.e., what or whom one is living on.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	live on	Many people live on a modest income.
Past Simple	lived on	They lived on bread and water during hard times.
Present Continuous	living on	She is living on hope amidst the challenges.
Present Perfect	have lived on	They have lived on determination for years.

💡 When to Use

Limited resources

Used when discussing survival or subsistence using constrained resources, like minimal income or food.

Example: "During the pandemic, she had to live on a tight budget."

Cultural or spiritual sustenance

Describes relying on non-material aspects for emotional or spiritual fulfillment.

Example: "Artists often live on inspiration and creativity."

Maintaining legacy or tradition

Utilized when traditions or legacies continue to influence or sustain communities.

Example: "Elders ensured that cultural practices live on in the community."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition

❌ Wrong: He lives off hope.

✅ Correct: He lives on hope.

💡 Tip: Use 'on' to express sustaining oneself.

Omitting the object

❌ Wrong: She lives on.

✅ Correct: She lives on her pension.

💡 Tip: Always specify what one lives on.

Confusing with 'live'

❌ Wrong: He live on inspiration.

✅ Correct: He lives on inspiration.

💡 Tip: Ensure the verb agrees with the subject.

Practice

LIVE ON - 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

Despite harsh conditions, she managed to live on a small grant for her studies.
Bridging The Distance
2
Listen to example

The ancient traditions live on, passed down through generations.
Bridging The Distance
3
Listen to example

During his travels, he had to live on very basic provisions.
Bridging The Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

subsist on survive on

Antonyms

abandon

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many families in the region ___ on agriculture."

live off

live on

living with

subsist with

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Live On

What is the origin of live on?

The phrase 'live on' is derived from the English verb 'live' coupled with the preposition 'on', emphasizing dependency or sustenance from a resource or concept.

Can live on be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'live on' is neutral and versatile, making it suitable for both formal and informal uses, from academic discussions to everyday conversations.

What is the difference between live on and subsist on?

'Live on' broadly includes physical, mental, or emotional sustenance, while 'subsist on' often refers explicitly to survival under constrained resources.

Browse All Bridging The 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

LIVE ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Live On

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega