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 'Set In'

📖 Definition

Set in refers to the beginning or onset of something, often implying that it will likely continue for a longer period.

Examples in context

As dusk set in, the forest seemed more mysterious and daunting.
Panic set in once the power went out across the city.
When reality set in, they realized the challenges ahead.

📖 Definition

Set in refers to the beginning or onset of something, often implying that it will likely continue for a longer period.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle cannot be separated.

Neutral

It is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts.

Transitive

It does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	set in	The winter chills set in early this year.
Past Simple	set in	Once the storm set in, we stayed indoors.
Present Continuous	setting in	The realization is setting in that change is inevitable.
Present Perfect	have set in	Their concerns have set in just after the announcement.

💡 When to Use

Beginning of a season

Use it when describing the start of a new season or weather changes.

Example: "Autumn is a time when shorter days set in."

Emotional state onset

When describing the initiation of a mood or feeling.

Example: "Anxiety set in during the tense meeting."

Sickness or ailment

Use it when a health condition starts to manifest noticeably.

Example: "His cold symptoms set in after the chilly evening."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using a direct object

❌ Wrong: The rain set the garden in.

✅ Correct: The rain set in quickly.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'set in' doesn't take an object.

Separation of verb and particle

❌ Wrong: Set the winter in.

✅ Correct: The winter set in.

💡 Tip: Keep 'set' and 'in' together.

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: The fatigue setting in last night.

✅ Correct: The fatigue set in last night.

💡 Tip: Use past tense for past events.

Practice

SET 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

As dusk set in, the forest seemed more mysterious and daunting.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Panic set in once the power went out across the city.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

When reality set in, they realized the challenges ahead.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

begin commence

Antonyms

cease

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"When winter ___, the days become shorter."

begins

set in

ceases

ends

"As the winds set in, remember that every change is a chance to reshape the sails of your journey."

In Context

In 1815, as the battle of Waterloo loomed, tension set in among the troops of the Duke of Wellington. The French forces, led by Napoleon, were advancing, and anxiety set in across both camps. Wellington was determined to not let uncertainty set in among his men. As the morning fog set in, obscuring the battlefield, Wellington’s forces steadied themselves. The sound of cannon fire set in motion a clash that would shape Europe’s future. By afternoon, as fatigue set in among the troops, Wellington employed strategic defenses that eventually led to a turning point. As dusk set in, the Allies emerged victorious, and a new era set in for Europe. Wellington’s leadership had set in stone the downfall of Napoleonic rule and sealed his place in history.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set In

What is the origin of 'set in'?

The phrase 'set in' originates from Middle English, where 'set' meant to place something firmly. It evolved to describe the beginning of something occurring or establishing itself permanently.

Can 'set in' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'set in' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It applies to both everyday conversations and more structured, formal discussions equally well.

What is the difference between 'set in' and 'begin'?

While 'set in' and 'begin' are synonyms, 'set in' typically implies something that continues or endures over time, whereas 'begin' denotes the simple act of starting without implying permanence.

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

SET IN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Set In

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega