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 'Stay Off'

📖 Definition

Stay off means to avoid or abstain from something, especially something harmful or unwanted. It involves deliberately keeping away from a specific activity or area.

Examples in context

I decided to stay off the beach today because of the bad weather.
You should stay off caffeine before bedtime for better sleep.
To improve productivity, she's staying off social media during work hours.

📖 Definition

Stay off means to avoid or abstain from something, especially something harmful or unwanted. It involves deliberately keeping away from a specific activity or area.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

The object must follow the verb and particle together.

Neutral

It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

Transitive

It does not require a direct object to convey its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	stay off	I stay off sugary drinks for better health.
Past Simple	stayed off	She stayed off coffee during the fast.
Present Continuous	staying off	He is staying off social media for a month.
Present Perfect	have stayed off	We have stayed off junk food since the diet started.

💡 When to Use

Avoiding unhealthy habits

Use 'stay off' to describe actively avoiding something harmful like smoking or junk food.

Example: "I try to stay off processed foods for my health."

Refraining from locations

When advising someone to avoid a specific area or spot, use 'stay off'.

Example: "Please stay off the grass to keep it healthy."

General avoidance

Whenever you choose not to engage in an activity or refrain from a particular thing.

Example: "They decided to stay off online shopping after overspending last month."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect use of object placement

❌ Wrong: She stays sugary drinks off.

✅ Correct: She stays off sugary drinks.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'stay off' cannot be split by its object.

Misconjugation of tense

❌ Wrong: He staying off sweets.

✅ Correct: He is staying off sweets.

💡 Tip: Use 'is' with 'staying off' for present continuous.

Confusing with transitive structure

❌ Wrong: Stay sugar off.

✅ Correct: Stay off sugar.

💡 Tip: Use 'stay off' followed by what is being avoided.

Practice

STAY 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

I decided to stay off the beach today because of the bad weather.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

You should stay off caffeine before bedtime for better sleep.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

To improve productivity, she's staying off social media during work hours.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

avoid abstain from

Antonyms

engage in

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Doctors recommend that you ___ fast food to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

avoid off

stay off

engage on

enter

"In life, we must learn to stay off paths of trouble, focusing instead on roads leading to growth and peace."

In Context

In the early 20th century, temperance movements were gaining momentum across the United States, urging communities to stay off the consumption of alcohol. The most notable figure in this movement was Carrie Nation, known for her radical approach involving hatchet-wielding to destroy saloons. Her crusade began in Kansas and soon spread nationwide. Speaking to fervent crowds, she implored them to stay off liquor, claiming it was the root of society’s ills. Her actions were controversial, drawing both support and criticism. Bar owners would plead with her to stay off their premises, fearing the notorious wrath of her hatchet. Despite arrests and fines, her unwavering commitment kept her in the public eye. By the time Prohibition was enacted in 1920, Nation had passed away, but her fervor had left an indelible mark. Many credited her relentless efforts as pivotal in encouraging people to stay off alcohol, paving the way for legislative change. Although Prohibition was eventually repealed, the movement showed the power of grassroots activism. Nation’s life serves as a reminder of the influence one person can wield, encouraging society to stay off destructive habits in pursuit of a perceived greater good.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stay Off

What is the origin of stay off?

The phrasal verb 'stay off' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the literal meaning of 'stay' and 'off' suggesting physical or metaphorical distance.

Can stay off be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'stay off' can be used in both formal and informal settings. Its neutral register makes it versatile for conversations and written communication alike.

What is the difference between stay off and avoid?

While both mean to refrain from, 'stay off' often implies keeping distance, physical or metaphorical, whereas 'avoid' emphasizes not encountering or experiencing something.

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

STAY OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Stay Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega