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

Speak Up: Usage, Meanings & Examples

"When change is bound by silence, speak up, for the voice of one can awaken the spirit of many in unity."

📖 Definition

To 'speak up' means to express one's opinions or feelings openly and assertively, especially in situations where injustice or silence prevails.

Examples in context

In classrooms, teachers encourage students to speak up if they don't understand something.
During the review, I had to speak up about the project's unrealistic deadlines.
Leaders should always speak up for their team's needs and concerns.

📖 Definition

To 'speak up' means to express one's opinions or feelings openly and assertively, especially in situations where injustice or silence prevails.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The verb and particle cannot be separated.

Neutral

'Speak up' can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.

Transitive

The phrase does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	speak up	It’s important to speak up if you see something wrong.
Past Simple	spoke up	She spoke up when her colleague was unfairly criticized.
Present Continuous	speaking up	They are speaking up against the new policy changes.
Present Perfect	have spoken up	We have spoken up in every meeting to address the issues.

💡 When to Use

Injustice observed

Use 'speak up' when you need to voice concerns about unfair practices or behaviors.

Example: "When I saw the mistake, I had to speak up."

Team meetings

Encouraged during group discussions to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and considered.

Example: "Feel free to speak up during the presentation if you have ideas."

Personal advocacy

Appropriate when advocating for oneself or others in personal or professional settings.

Example: "It's crucial to speak up about your needs in a relationship."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Using a direct object

❌ Wrong: She spoke up her opinion loudly.

✅ Correct: She spoke up loudly.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'speak up' doesn't need a direct object.

Incorrect tense usage

❌ Wrong: He speaks up yesterday.

✅ Correct: He spoke up yesterday.

💡 Tip: Ensure past actions use the past tense form 'spoke up'.

Separation error

❌ Wrong: She spoke everyone up at the meeting.

✅ Correct: She spoke up at the meeting.

💡 Tip: 'Speak up' cannot be separated.

Practice

SPEAK UP - 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

In classrooms, teachers encourage students to speak up if they don't understand something.
Alternative Communities Hub
2
Listen to example

During the review, I had to speak up about the project's unrealistic deadlines.
Alternative Communities Hub
3
Listen to example

Leaders should always speak up for their team's needs and concerns.
Alternative Communities Hub

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

voice advocate

Antonyms

stay silent

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"If you disagree with the decision, it’s important to ___ up."

talk

speak up

shout

express

In Context

In 1955, Rosa Parks, a seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama, chose to speak up against racial inequality. When she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, her quiet defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her courageous act encouraged many others to speak up, igniting a movement that would lead to significant civil rights advancements. During the boycott, leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emerged, urging the African American community to stand firm and continue to speak up for justice. Despite facing arrest and intimidation, Rosa Parks remained resolute. Her decision to speak up did not just challenge the unjust laws; it empowered an entire generation to demand equality. The boycott lasted over a year, ending when the Supreme Court declared bus segregation unconstitutional. Rosa Parks's choice to speak up proved that sometimes, a single voice can inspire monumental change, echoing through history as a testament to the power of standing up for one's beliefs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Speak Up

What is the origin of speak up?

The phrase 'speak up' originated in the mid-1800s. It combines 'speak', from Old English 'specan', and 'up', indicating volume or projection, symbolizing vocal expression.

Can speak up be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Speak up' is versatile and can be used in both formal settings, like meetings, and informal ones, such as casual conversations, to express personal views.

What is the difference between speak up and voice?

'Speak up' implies raising one's voice or opinion boldly, while 'voice' suggests expressing thoughts without the urgency of volume or assertiveness.

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

SPEAK UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Speak Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega