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

Meaning of Stand in the Way with Examples

"When ambition threatens harmony, sometimes one must not stand in the way of destiny's rightful course to preserve greater peace."

📖 Definition

To prevent or hinder progress, action, or change, often by obstructing or posing as a barrier. This can be metaphorical or literal.

Examples in context

Her fear of failure did not stand in the way of trying again.
The legislation stood in the way of environmental innovation.
He won't let doubt stand in the way of his ambitions.

📖 Definition

To prevent or hinder progress, action, or change, often by obstructing or posing as a barrier. This can be metaphorical or literal.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Cannot be split by other words. 'In the way' must remain intact.

Neutral

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Does not require a direct object for the phrase to make sense.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	stand in the way	Fear often stands in the way of success.
Past Simple	stood in the way	The old laws stood in the way of innovation.
Present Continuous	standing in the way	She is standing in the way of progress.
Present Perfect	have stood in the way	They have stood in the way of every proposal.

💡 When to Use

Expressing obstruction

Use when referring to barriers preventing progress or actions, either literally or metaphorically.

Example: "The heavy rainfall stood in the way of the construction project."

Discussing rules or laws

Ideal when laws or regulations prevent advancement or change, highlighting obstruction.

Example: "These outdated rules stand in the way of progress."

Overcoming obstacles

Use this to describe successfully surpassing challenges or hindrances.

Example: "They didn't let fear stand in the way of their dreams."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: In the way stand your fears.

✅ Correct: Your fears stand in the way.

💡 Tip: Always place 'stand' at the sentence beginning.

Using with direct object

❌ Wrong: Stand in the way your plan.

✅ Correct: Stand in the way of your plan.

💡 Tip: Remember 'of' for association.

Verb confusion

❌ Wrong: Standing the way of success.

✅ Correct: Standing in the way of success.

💡 Tip: Include 'in' for completeness.

Practice

STAND IN THE WAY - 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

Her fear of failure did not stand in the way of trying again.
Voices Across Distance
2
Listen to example

The legislation stood in the way of environmental innovation.
Voices Across Distance
3
Listen to example

He won't let doubt stand in the way of his ambitions.
Voices Across Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

obstruct hinder

Antonyms

facilitate

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Her determination will not stand ___ the way of achieving success."

under

stand in the way

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stand In The Way

What is the origin of stand in the way?

The phrase originates from early 19th-century English literature. It refers to physical or metaphorical barriers one might face, hindering progress.

Can stand in the way be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, it is suitable for both contexts. It's versatile because it applies to various situations, such as legal discourse or casual conversations.

What is the difference between stand in the way and obstruct?

Both mean hindering progress. 'Stand in the way' often implies passive obstruction, while 'obstruct' suggests active interference.

Browse All Voices Across Distance 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

STAND IN THE WAY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stand In The Way

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega