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 'Pull Their Weight'

"In life's hardest moments, true strength reveals itself when individuals consistently pull their weight for the collective good."

📖 Definition

To pull one's weight means to contribute a fair amount of effort or work to a group endeavor, ensuring equal participation.

Examples in context

During the project, everyone had to pull their weight to meet the deadline.
Parents expect their children to pull their weight with household chores.
In emergencies, it's crucial for team members to pull their weight.

📖 Definition

To pull one's weight means to contribute a fair amount of effort or work to a group endeavor, ensuring equal participation.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The phrase cannot be split by an object; it must remain intact.

Neutral

Suitable for both casual and some formal contexts due to its straightforward meaning.

Transitive

Yes

This phrase requires a subject capable of performing the action.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	pull their weight	Team members must pull their weight to succeed.
Past Simple	pulled their weight	They pulled their weight, ensuring the project was completed on time.
Present Continuous	pulling their weight	They are pulling their weight despite the challenges.
Present Perfect	have pulled their weight	The employees have pulled their weight throughout the crisis.

💡 When to Use

Team projects

Use this phrase to emphasize equal contribution and effort from all members in a collaborative task or project.

Example: "In team projects, everyone is expected to pull their weight."

Family chores

Appropriate when describing household responsibilities where each member should contribute to maintain balance.

Example: "In our family, everyone pulls their weight to keep the house clean."

Workplace duties

Applicable in professional settings to stress the importance of each employee performing their duties effectively.

Example: "For the company to thrive, every employee must pull their weight."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using with non-human subjects

❌ Wrong: Machines in the factory pull their weight daily.

✅ Correct: Workers in the factory pull their weight daily.

💡 Tip: Remember, the phrase refers to human capability.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: He will pulling his weight next week.

✅ Correct: He will be pulling his weight next week.

💡 Tip: Ensure verb tenses match subject time frames.

Redundant subject clarification

❌ Wrong: Each student needs to pull their weight by themselves.

✅ Correct: Each student needs to pull their weight.

💡 Tip: Avoid redundancy; 'their weight' implies individually.

Practice

PULL THEIR WEIGHT - 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

During the project, everyone had to pull their weight to meet the deadline.
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2
Listen to example

Parents expect their children to pull their weight with household chores.
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3
Listen to example

In emergencies, it's crucial for team members to pull their weight.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

contribute fairly do their part

Antonyms

slack off

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"In any team effort, each member must ___ to achieve success."

leave their mark

pull their weight

carry the load

take the lead

In Context

During the height of World War II, the city of London faced relentless bombing raids in what became known as the Blitz. Citizens were expected to pull their weight in maintaining morale and order amidst the chaos. Among them was a young nurse named Mary Ellis. Every night, as the sirens wailed and people rushed to the shelters, Mary continued her rounds, tending to the needs of those injured in the bombings. She was known for her resilience and unwavering dedication, always pulling her weight even when others faltered from exhaustion and fear. In makeshift hospitals, the doctors relied on nurses like Mary to pull their weight since resources were limited and the workload seemingly endless. Through her perseverance, Mary inspired those around her, showing that pulling their weight was not just about fulfilling duties but upholding the spirit of community. Her efforts were pivotal in ensuring medical services operated smoothly during those dire days. When the Blitz ended, London's resilience was celebrated globally, and individuals like Mary were praised for ensuring society pulled together. Her steadfast commitment during adversity became emblematic of the collective effort required to survive and rebuild after such devastation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pull Their Weight

What is the origin of pull their weight?

The phrase originates from the rowing world, referring to rowers pulling on their oars with sufficient force to contribute meaningfully to the team's effort.

Can pull their weight be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'pull their weight' is versatile and suits both formal and informal settings due to its neutral connotation of fair contribution.

What is the difference between pull their weight and contribute fairly?

'Pull their weight' implies maintaining expected participation in a joint effort, while 'contribute fairly' broadly covers any form of equitable input.

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

PULL THEIR WEIGHT - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Pull Their Weight

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega