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 'Make the Leap': Definition & Usage

"To truly transform, one must make the leap, transcending fear to reach the boundless possibilities that lie beyond hesitation."

📖 Definition

To make the leap means to take a decisive action into something new or unfamiliar, especially when it involves significant change or risk.

Examples in context

After much deliberation, Alice decided to make the leap into freelance photography.
Their decision to make the leap into eco-friendly products paid off with increased sales.
Having conquered his fears, Tom made the leap into competitive rock climbing.

📖 Definition

To make the leap means to take a decisive action into something new or unfamiliar, especially when it involves significant change or risk.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and the preposition must stay together.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires an object to complete the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	make the leap	Many graduates make the leap into the workforce every year.
Past Simple	made the leap	She made the leap from engineer to entrepreneur successfully.
Present Continuous	making the leap	He is making the leap from amateur to professional athlete.
Present Perfect	have made the leap	They have made the leap into digital marketing with their new campaign.

💡 When to Use

Career changes

Use when discussing transitions into new job roles, industries, or career paths requiring significant adjustment.

Example: "After years in finance, he made the leap into the tech industry."

Life decisions

Apply when describing major life decisions such as moving to a new country or adopting a new lifestyle.

Example: "They made the leap and started living off the grid for sustainability."

Personal growth

Employ when referring to steps taken towards self-improvement or personal development.

Example: "Embracing meditation, she made the leap to a more mindful way of living."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition use

❌ Wrong: She made a leap into the business industry.

✅ Correct: She made the leap into the business industry.

💡 Tip: Use 'make the leap' not 'make a leap' for specific transitions.

Misplaced object

❌ Wrong: He the decision made the leap into politics.

✅ Correct: He made the leap into politics with the decision.

💡 Tip: Keep 'make the leap' together; place objects and details after.

Verb form confusion

❌ Wrong: They makes the leap for innovation.

✅ Correct: They make the leap for innovation.

💡 Tip: Use 'make' with plural subjects and present tense.

Practice

MAKE THE LEAP - 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 much deliberation, Alice decided to make the leap into freelance photography.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
2
Listen to example

Their decision to make the leap into eco-friendly products paid off with increased sales.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature
3
Listen to example

Having conquered his fears, Tom made the leap into competitive rock climbing.
Off-Grid Living: Back to Nature

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

take the plunge dive in

Antonyms

hesitate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Ready to embrace change, she was prepared to ___ into a new career."

jump

make the leap

skip

hop

In Context

In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. stood poised at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In a nation divided by racial tensions, the moment called for someone to make the leap towards a more united future. As King began his famous 'I Have a Dream' speech, his words resonated with hope and courage, urging citizens to make the leap from oppression to equality. The Civil Rights Movement had already witnessed great challenges and sacrifices, but many knew this public plea was pivotal in redefining the nation's conscience. King’s eloquence inspired thousands to march, protest, and vote, each action encouraging America to make the leap towards justice. Despite the dangers he faced, King personified bravery, showing by example the strength it takes to make the leap into uncertain waters. As a result, legislative victories like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 reflected societal shifts, where Americans began understanding and embracing egalitarian values. Although King’s life was tragically cut short in 1968, his legacy endures. His calls for equality motivated countless individuals to make the leap in their own lives, reinforcing that true progress often demands taking courageous steps into the unknown.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Make The Leap

What is the origin of make the leap?

The phrase likely originates from the physical act of leaping, metaphorically representing a jump or leap into a new phase. It evolved to signify making a courageous or significant change, especially in personal or professional contexts.

Can make the leap be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'make the leap' is versatile, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in business, academic discussions, personal reflections, and everyday conversation, making it a widely applicable phrasal verb.

What is the difference between make the leap and take the plunge?

'Make the leap' usually implies a transition involving significant effort or courage. 'Take the plunge' suggests embracing risk more spontaneously, often with a sense of adventure. Both indicate decisive action but differ slightly in connotation.

Browse All Tiny House 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

MAKE THE LEAP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Make The Leap

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega