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

Mastering 'Loosen Up': Definition & Usage

📖 Definition

To relax or become less tense, physically, mentally, or socially. Often used in situations where easing stiffness or constricted mannerisms is beneficial.

Examples in context

After a long week, she needed some time to loosen up and unwind.
The instructor told the students to loosen up their muscles before starting the class.
Before the interview, he took deep breaths to loosen up.

📖 Definition

To relax or become less tense, physically, mentally, or socially. Often used in situations where easing stiffness or constricted mannerisms is beneficial.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The verb and particle can be separated. E.g., 'Loosen your tie up.'

Informal

Commonly used in casual conversations rather than formal settings.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object. Someone or something needs to be loosened up.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	loosen up	You should loosen up before the big presentation.
Past Simple	loosened up	She loosened up after a few minutes into the party.
Present Continuous	loosening up	He is loosening up the crowd with his jokes.
Present Perfect	have loosened up	They have loosened up since we last saw them.

💡 When to Use

Before a stressful event

Use it when preparing for something stressful to suggest relaxing to improve performance.

Example: "Before the test, take a deep breath and loosen up."

Encouraging social interaction

Suggest this in social settings where people are tense to foster a friendlier atmosphere.

Example: "Come on, join the conversation and loosen up a bit!"

At the start of an exercise

Advise this before physical activity to promote muscle relaxation and prevent injury.

Example: "Don't forget to loosen up before your morning run."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Loosen up your stress.

✅ Correct: Loosen up and relieve your stress.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'loosen up' is about relaxing the self.

Missing particle

❌ Wrong: Loosen your muscles.

✅ Correct: Loosen up your muscles.

💡 Tip: Don't forget 'up' when suggesting to relax.

Wrong tense use

❌ Wrong: He will had loosen up.

✅ Correct: He will have loosened up.

💡 Tip: Check tense consistency in perfect forms.

Practice

LOOSEN 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

After a long week, she needed some time to loosen up and unwind.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The instructor told the students to loosen up their muscles before starting the class.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Before the interview, he took deep breaths to loosen up.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

relax unwind

Antonyms

tense up

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Before the game, the coach advised the team to ___ up."

tighten

loosen up

harden

stiffen

"Sometimes life demands we loosen up our grip on rigid plans to embrace unexpected opportunities that broaden our horizons and enrich our lives."

In Context

In the early 1800s, the city of Vienna was a hub of classical music, boasting talents such as Beethoven and Haydn. But amidst the solemnity of symphonies and sonatas, an unusual figure emerged—Johann Strauss Sr. Known for his expertise in waltz music, Strauss Sr. brought a fresh air to the Viennese music scene. Initially met with skepticism, his jovial and rhythmic compositions encouraged aristocrats to loosen up at their formal gatherings. Strauss Sr.'s music created a bridge between the stiff courtesies of the time and the newfound joy of dance. Even the conservative socialites couldn't resist the temptation to loosen up as Strauss Sr.'s melodies unfolded. During the Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815, delegates and dignitaries from all over Europe gathered to decide the fate of the continent post-Napoleonic Wars. Amidst the intense political discussions, Strauss's music served as a delightful diversion. The charisma of his waltzes was persuasive enough to loosen up even the most hardened diplomats, fostering camaraderie and easing tensions. By the end of his era, Johann Strauss Sr. had not only revolutionized dance music but also helped a continent mired in political and social rigidities to loosen up and find harmony, both literally and metaphorically, on the dance floor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Loosen Up

What is the origin of loosen up?

The origin of 'loosen up' likely stems from the physical act of releasing tension in muscles, dating back to the 19th century when it began to also imply relaxing socially and mentally.

Can loosen up be used in formal and informal contexts?

Primarily informal, 'loosen up' suits casual conversations but can appear in motivational contexts, where informality helps convey relaxation. Avoid in highly formal documents or speeches.

What is the difference between loosen up and relax?

Both suggest easing tension, but 'loosen up' often implies a more active process of relaxation, especially socially or mentally, whereas 'relax' is broadly used for general unwinding.

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

LOOSEN UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Loosen Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega