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

Plug In: Definition, Usage, and Common Mistakes

"When you plug into life's dynamic energy, you become part of a larger, ever-evolving story, exploring diverse pathways and ideas."

📖 Definition

To 'plug in' means to connect an electrical device to a power source, enabling it to operate. It also metaphorically involves connecting ideas or individuals into a broader system or network, allowing collaboration or operation.

Examples in context

Every evening, she plugs in her tablet to recharge overnight.
The new intern quickly plugged into the team’s workflow.
You must plug in the headset to hear the audio clearly.

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate the verb and particle.

Neutral

It can be used in both informal and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	plug in	I need to plug in my laptop to charge it.
Past Simple	plugged in	She plugged in the heater last night.
Present Continuous	plugging in	He is plugging in new devices at the office.
Present Perfect	have plugged in	They have plugged in all the necessary equipment for the event.

💡 When to Use

Connecting electronic devices

Use when you attach an electronic device to a power source to make it operational.

Example: "Remember to plug in the phone charger before you leave."

Joining a system or network

When joining a larger system, project, or network, either physically or metaphorically.

Example: "New employees should plug into the company's communication platform to stay informed."

Metaphorical connections

When fostering personal or professional connections within a broader community or network.

Example: "By attending these meetings, you can plug into the local business community."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: Please in the cable plug.

✅ Correct: Please plug in the cable.

💡 Tip: Remember, the verb 'plug' should come first before 'in'.

Using without an object

❌ Wrong: He plugged in quickly.

✅ Correct: He plugged in the radio quickly.

💡 Tip: Always mention what you are plugging in.

Confusing 'plug in' with 'turn on'

❌ Wrong: Plug in the light when it's dark.

✅ Correct: Turn on the light when it's dark.

💡 Tip: Use 'turn on' to describe activating a device.

Practice

PLUG 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

Every evening, she plugs in her tablet to recharge overnight.
Computers The Digital Leap
2
Listen to example

The new intern quickly plugged into the team’s workflow.
Computers The Digital Leap
3
Listen to example

You must plug in the headset to hear the audio clearly.
Computers The Digital Leap

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

connect attach

Antonyms

disconnect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Make sure to ___ the device before starting."

connect

plug in

turn

detach

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Plug In

What is the origin of plug in?

'Plug in' traces its origins to the 20th century with the advent of household electricity. As electrical devices became common, the action of inserting a plug into a socket was described as 'plugging in'. Over time, it acquired metaphorical uses in technology and communication.

Can plug in be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'plug in' is versatile and used in both formal and informal contexts. In technical documents or casual conversation, it refers to connecting devices or people to systems. Its usage is commonplace across professional and everyday settings, making it adaptable to various contexts.

What is the difference between plug in and connect?

While both 'plug in' and 'connect' involve joining, 'plug in' is specific to electric devices or networks, implying a physical or metaphorical insertion into a system. 'Connect' is broader, used for electrical, digital, or even abstract linkages without the physical aspect implied by 'plug in'.

Browse All Computers The Digital Leap 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

PLUG IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Plug In

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega