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 'Turn Down'

"When life offers a path of ease, remember the wisdom to turn down shortcuts for the journey's true lessons lie in the efforts."

📖 Definition

To reject an offer or request by saying no. It can also mean to lower the volume or intensity of something.

Examples in context

After much thought, I decided to turn down the lucrative job offer.
Can you please turn down the TV volume? It's too loud.
Despite the generous proposal, she had to turn it down.

📖 Definition

To reject an offer or request by saying no. It can also mean to lower the volume or intensity of something.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can say 'turn down an offer' or 'turn it down'.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal contexts depending on tone.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object, e.g., turn down an offer.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	turn down	I always turn down offers that don't align with my values.
Past Simple	turned down	She turned down the job due to the long commute.
Present Continuous	turning down	I am turning down the radio to concentrate.
Present Perfect	have turned down	They have turned down all invitations this week.

💡 When to Use

Refusing an offer

Use when someone politely declines an offer, proposal, or suggestion presented to them.

Example: "He turned down the invitation to the party."

Reducing volume

When you want to reduce the volume or intensity of a sound or device.

Example: "Please turn down the music, it's too loud."

Evaluating choices

When making a choice involving rejecting a particular option among several alternatives.

Example: "I turned down the more expensive option, choosing to stay on budget."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Turn the music down.

✅ Correct: Turn down the music.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'turn down' typically comes before the object in formal settings.

Incorrect phrasal use

❌ Wrong: Turn off the job offer.

✅ Correct: Turn down the job offer.

💡 Tip: Use 'turn down' to mean reject, not 'turn off'.

Omitting the direct object

❌ Wrong: She turned down.

✅ Correct: She turned down the offer.

💡 Tip: Always include what is being turned down.

Practice

TURN DOWN - 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

After much thought, I decided to turn down the lucrative job offer.
Voices Across Distance
2
Listen to example

Can you please turn down the TV volume? It's too loud.
Voices Across Distance
3
Listen to example

Despite the generous proposal, she had to turn it down.
Voices Across Distance

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

reject decline

Antonyms

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He decided to ___ the invitation to the wedding."

turn off

turn down

turn up

turn over

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Turn Down

What is the origin of the phrasal verb 'turn down'?

'Turn down' emerged in the 19th century, deriving from the literal action of turning a knob or dial. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical expression for rejection or reduction in volume.

Can 'turn down' be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'turn down' is versatile and adaptable to both formal and informal settings. In formal contexts, it's often used in a professional manner to decline offers. Informally, it’s used in day-to-day conversations.

What is the difference between 'turn down' and 'reject'?

While both mean to decline, 'turn down' connotes a more conversational rejection involving offers or proposals, implying politeness. 'Reject' is more direct and formal, used in contexts requiring a strong refusal.

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

TURN DOWN - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Turn Down

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega