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 'Step Up'

📖 Definition

To step up means to increase the level, intensity, or effort of something; to assume responsibility or a role more actively or effectively.

Examples in context

The government must step up disaster relief efforts urgently.
In tough times, true leaders step up their support for others.
He had to step up to the challenge and lead the team.

📖 Definition

To step up means to increase the level, intensity, or effort of something; to assume responsibility or a role more actively or effectively.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

The object can be placed between 'step' and 'up'.

Neutral

Commonly used in everyday communication and formal writing.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object, something that one steps up.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	step up	The company must step up production to meet demand.
Past Simple	stepped up	She stepped up her efforts to improve community health.
Present Continuous	stepping up	He is stepping up his training for the marathon.
Present Perfect	have stepped up	They have stepped up security at all entry points.

💡 When to Use

Increasing effort or intensity

Use when someone or something needs to exert more effort or become more active to achieve a goal.

Example: "The team needs to step up its game if they want to win."

Taking responsibility

Use when someone assumes a role of greater responsibility, often in response to a need or emergency.

Example: "After the manager left, Jane had to step up and lead the project."

Improving performance

Use to describe improving one's performance or action to meet higher expectations or standards.

Example: "Students must step up their study habits to excel in exams."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect tense

❌ Wrong: He step up his efforts last year.

✅ Correct: He stepped up his efforts last year.

💡 Tip: Remember to use past tense for completed actions.

Missing object

❌ Wrong: She needs to step up.

✅ Correct: She needs to step up her involvement.

💡 Tip: Always pair 'step up' with an object.

Wrong preposition

❌ Wrong: We must step in our efforts.

✅ Correct: We must step up our efforts.

💡 Tip: Use 'up' after 'step' for increasing action.

Practice

STEP 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

The government must step up disaster relief efforts urgently.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

In tough times, true leaders step up their support for others.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

He had to step up to the challenge and lead the team.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

enhance increase

Antonyms

retreat

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"She was ready to ___ her role in the company."

stepping

step up

stepped

steping

"To evolve and to overcome, one must not just move forward, but step up, ascending the ladder of life’s challenges."

In Context

During the American Civil War, in April 1861, President Abraham Lincoln faced enormous pressure to lead a nation on the brink of division. As Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter, it was time for leaders to step up and define the nation's future. Despite his relatively limited military background, Lincoln realized he needed to step up his role from a political leader to a wartime commander. Understanding the need for quick action, Lincoln promptly called for 75,000 volunteers. As the war escalated, his strategies and executive decisions were constantly tested. By 1863, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation marked a pivotal moment when Lincoln again stepped up to redefine the war’s purpose. It shifted the narrative from merely preserving the Union to advancing moral justice and freedom. Finally, as victory neared in 1865, Lincoln encouraged national reconciliation, urging Americans to step up their efforts towards unity and healing. His leadership left a legacy of commitment to national ideals, showing how he constantly stepped up in response to the unprecedented challenges of his presidency.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Step Up

What is the origin of step up?

The phrase 'step up' originates from the literal action of stepping onto a higher level, implying an increase in effort or responsibility.

Can step up be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'step up' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to suggest increasing effort or taking responsibility.

What is the difference between step up and enhance?

Both imply improvement, but 'step up' suggests action and responsibility, while 'enhance' focuses on increasing quality or value.

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

STEP UP - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Step Up

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega