Differences between come about and come across
Come about means to happen or occur, while come across means to find or encounter something or someone unexpectedly.
Meanings and Definitions: come about vs come across
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Come about
- 1Happen, occur.
The meeting CAME ABOUT because both sides were sick of fighting.
- 2Shift direction ( nautical ).
The yacht CAME ABOUT to a heading of 240 degrees.
Come across
- 1Find by accident.
I CAME ACROSS my old school reports when I was clearing out my desk.
- 2Agree to have sex with someone.
I was surprised when she CAME ACROSS on the first night.
- 3The way other people see you.
He CAME ACROSS as shy because he spoke so quietly.
Usage Examples: come about, come across in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
come about
Example
How did this situation come about?
Example
Change often comes about gradually.
come across
Example
I came across an interesting article while browsing the internet.
Example
She comes across as a very confident person.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come about
To happen or occur unexpectedly.
Example
A problem arose during the project, but we were able to solve it quickly.
To happen or take place.
Example
The accident occurred on the highway during rush hour.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come across
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “about”
Phrasal Verbs with “across”
Differences in come about vs come across: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come about or come across?
Both come about and come across are commonly used in everyday conversation. However, come across is slightly more common because it can be used in a wider range of situations, such as finding information online or meeting someone new.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come about and come across
Both come about and come across are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, come about may be slightly more formal because it is often used in written texts like news articles or academic papers.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of come about and come across
The tone of come about and come across can differ based on context. Come about often carries a neutral or matter-of-fact tone when referring to events or situations, while come across can carry a surprised or curious tone when encountering something or someone unexpected.
