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 the Phrasal Verb 'Scare Off'

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'scare off' means to deter, repel, or frighten someone away from a particular action or place due to fear or apprehension.

Examples in context

The haunted house decorations were enough to scare off even the bravest visitors.
Investors were scared off by the sudden decline in the company’s stock value.
High entry fees can scare off Amateur participants eager to join the tournament.

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb 'scare off' means to deter, repel, or frighten someone away from a particular action or place due to fear or apprehension.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between the verb and particle.

Informal

Used mainly in casual or conversational contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	scare off	High prices scare off potential buyers.
Past Simple	scared off	The loud noise scared off the wildlife.
Present Continuous	scaring off	The guard dog is scaring off intruders.
Present Perfect	have scared off	The rumors have scared off investors.

💡 When to Use

When discussing deterrence

Use when describing situations where fear prevents someone from taking action, such as financial or social risks.

Example: "The rising costs are likely to scare off new players in the market."

While talking about wildlife

Use when animals or wildlife are frightened away by noise, presence, or action.

Example: "The rangers' presence scared off the poachers in the area."

In warning contexts

Use to advise or warn someone about potential deterring factors that might prevent success or happiness.

Example: "Be cautious, as harsh criticism can scare off budding artists from pursuing their dreams."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect placement

❌ Wrong: Scare potential clients off by high prices.

✅ Correct: Scare off potential clients by high prices.

💡 Tip: Keep 'off' directly after 'scare'.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: The wolf scared off.

✅ Correct: The wolf scared off the hikers.

💡 Tip: Always include an object.

Formal context usage

❌ Wrong: The CEO's tone scared off the board.

✅ Correct: The CEO's tone deterred the board.

💡 Tip: Use 'deter' in formal settings.

Practice

SCARE OFF - 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

The haunted house decorations were enough to scare off even the bravest visitors.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Investors were scared off by the sudden decline in the company’s stock value.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

High entry fees can scare off Amateur participants eager to join the tournament.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

deter repel

Antonyms

attract

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The thunder was loud enough to ___ off the campers."

chase

scare off

draw

encourage

"To truly embrace opportunities, one must not let fear scare off their ambitions and dreams, thus paving the way for success."

In Context

In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison, the brilliant inventor and entrepreneur, faced numerous challenges that would have scared off the faint-hearted. Edison's laboratory in Menlo Park became a hub of innovation, yet financial constraints and technical hurdles were ever-present. Nevertheless, Edison refused to be scared off from his pursuit of harnessing electricity. The incandescent light bulb, his most renowned invention, demanded persistence. Many investors, initially excited, began to be scared off as repeated failures and costs mounted. Yet, Edison's innovative spirit and relentless determination continued to draw those who believed in his vision. As he famously stated, 'I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.' It was this tenacity that finally led to success, illuminating the world in new ways. By 1879, the first successful trials of the bulb took place, proving that resilience could indeed scare off doubt and achieve greatness. His work not only transformed society but set a precedent for inventors around the globe. Edison's legacy is a testament to how overcoming fear and not being scared off by obstacles can lead to remarkable achievements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Scare Off

What is the origin of scare off?

The phrasal verb 'scare off' comes from a combination of 'scare,' meaning to frighten, and 'off,' indicating a direction away from something. It emerged in the 19th century, influenced by rural language, where livestock and people were often scared off by threats.

Can scare off be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Scare off' is more commonly used in informal contexts. In formal writing, synonyms like 'deter' and 'repel' are often preferred due to their neutral tone. However, its use in informal conversation makes it a vivid and direct way to express deterrence.

What is the difference between scare off and deter?

While both imply preventing action through fear or apprehension, 'scare off' often involves a more immediate, emotional reaction, typically informal. 'Deter' is broader, used in formal contexts, and focuses on hindrance through consideration of negative outcomes rather than immediate fear.

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

SCARE OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Scare Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega