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 'Pan Out' with Examples

📖 Definition

To 'pan out' means to result in success or to end favorably, often after considerable effort or uncertainty about the outcome.

Examples in context

Her investment in the startup eventually panned out.
Not every venture you undertake will pan out.
Their hard work in developing the app finally panned out with a successful launch.

📖 Definition

To 'pan out' means to result in success or to end favorably, often after considerable effort or uncertainty about the outcome.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This phrasal verb is inseparable, meaning the components cannot be split.

Informal

It is commonly used in casual contexts.

Transitive

This phrasal verb does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pan out	Let's see how the project pans out.
Past Simple	panned out	Their efforts finally panned out.
Present Continuous	panning out	Everything is panning out as planned.
Present Perfect	have panned out	The plans have panned out successfully.

💡 When to Use

Assessing project success

Use this when discussing whether a plan or project achieved favorable results or outcomes after completion.

Example: "We will know if the initiative panned out by year's end."

Evaluating unexpected outcomes

Employ this when reflecting on outcomes that were uncertain but ultimately ended well or succeeded.

Example: "Despite initial doubts, the merger panned out better than expected."

Describing personal endeavors

Appropriate when discussing personal efforts or plans that led to positive results over time.

Example: "Her dedication to her studies panned out with a scholarship offer."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Misplacement of subject

❌ Wrong: The results panned the project out.

✅ Correct: The project panned out successfully.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'pan out' refers to the outcome itself.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: He is pan out his ideas.

✅ Correct: He is seeing if his ideas pan out.

💡 Tip: Use 'pan out' in its present form for ongoing or future results.

Using with a direct object

❌ Wrong: We panned out the solution.

✅ Correct: We hope the solution pans out.

💡 Tip: 'Pan out' doesn’t take a direct object.

Practice

PAN OUT - 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

Her investment in the startup eventually panned out.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Not every venture you undertake will pan out.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Their hard work in developing the app finally panned out with a successful launch.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

succeed work out

Antonyms

fail

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Let's hope the plans for expansion ___ as expected."

pans around

pan out

pans after

pans for

"In life's tapestry, not all plans pan out as expected, but each thread contributes to the final masterpiece of experience."

In Context

In the late 1800s, Thomas Edison embarked on his quest to invent the electric light bulb. Initially, his experiments did not pan out, as many filaments quickly burnt out. Undeterred, Edison and his team continued to test various materials, believing that their efforts would eventually pan out. After countless trials, they discovered that a carbonized bamboo filament greatly extended the bulb's lifespan. This breakthrough in 1879 marked the beginning of a new era, as Edison's persistence and innovation finally paid off. The success of the incandescent bulb not only revolutionized indoor lighting but also established Edison as one of the most prolific inventors of his time. As demand for electric lighting grew, Edison's work led to the founding of the Edison Electric Light Company, which played a crucial role in the widespread electrification of homes and businesses. Despite facing skepticism and competition, Edison's vision ultimately panned out, proving that perseverance in the face of failure can lead to monumental achievements. This story reminds us that even when initial attempts do not pan out, determination and creativity can illuminate the path to success.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pan Out

What is the origin of pan out?

The phrase 'pan out' likely comes from panning for gold during the Gold Rush, where miners would hope sifting water pans would reveal gold.

Can pan out be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Pan out' is primarily informal, often used in casual conversation to describe outcomes. It's less commonly used in formal, structured writing.

What is the difference between pan out and succeed?

While both refer to favorable outcomes, 'pan out' is informal and implies uncertainty, while 'succeed' is neutral and directly denotes achievement.

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

PAN OUT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pan Out

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega