Phrasal verbs "come across" vs "come over"

Differences between come across and come over

Come across usually means to find or discover something by chance, whereas come over generally means to visit someone's place or to change one's opinion or attitude.

Meanings and Definitions: come across vs come over

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

Come over

  • 1Feel strange.

    I CAME OVER all faint and weak because my sugar level was too low. ( British )

  • 2Affect mentally in such a way as to change behaviour ( possibly related to' overcome' ).

    I'm sorry about last night - I don't know what CAME OVER me.

Usage Examples: come across, come over in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

come across

Example

I came across an interesting article while browsing the internet.

Example

She comes across as a very confident person.

come over

Example

Can you come over to my house after work?

Example

She comes over every weekend to watch movies.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come across

To find or discover something unexpectedly or by chance.

Example

While hiking in the woods, they stumbled upon an abandoned cabin.

To meet or encounter someone or something unexpectedly or by chance.

Example

I ran into my old friend from high school at the grocery store.

To find or discover something unexpectedly or by chance.

Example

As they were walking along the beach, they came upon a message in a bottle.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come over

To visit someone briefly and informally.

Example

I'm going to drop by my friend's house after work to say hi.

swing by

To visit someone briefly and informally while on the way to another destination.

Example

I'll swing by your place on my way to the gym and pick up the book you lent me.

To change one's opinion or attitude about something or someone.

Example

After hearing her side of the story, I had a change of heart and decided to forgive her.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “over”

Differences in come across vs come over: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: come across or come over?

In daily conversation, people use come over more often than come across. This is because come over is used for social interactions and visiting friends or family. Come across is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about finding something by chance. So, while both phrases are used, come over is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come across and come over

Come across and come over are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of come across and come over

The tone of come across and come over can differ based on context. Come across often carries a surprised or curious tone when related to discovering something unexpected, while come over typically has a friendly and inviting tone, especially when referring to visiting someone's place or changing one's attitude.

come across & come over: Synonyms and Antonyms

Come across

Synonyms

Come over

Synonyms

  • visit
  • drop by
  • stop by
  • call in
  • pop in
  • go over
  • drop in

Antonyms

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