Differences between come across and come to
Come across means to find or discover something by chance, while come to means to regain consciousness after being unconscious.
Meanings and Definitions: come across vs come to
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 to
- 1Become conscious, wake up from anaesthetic.
She CAME TO an hour after the operation.
- 2Result in.
The two men started arguing but they soon CAME TO blows and started fighting in earnest.
Usage Examples: come across, come to 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 to
Example
When will he come to after the surgery?
Example
She comes to quickly after fainting.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come across
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Come to
To become conscious again after being unconscious.
Example
After the surgery, it took her a few hours to regain consciousness.
To wake up or become conscious after sleeping or being unconscious.
Example
The sound of the alarm clock helped him awaken from his deep sleep.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “come”
Phrasal Verbs with “across”
Differences in come across vs come to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: come across or come to?
In daily conversation, people use come across more often than come to. This is because come across is used for more everyday situations such as finding something unexpected or meeting someone new. Come to is less common and is mainly used in medical or emergency contexts. So, while both phrases are used, come across is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of come across and come to
Come across and come to 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 to
The tone of come across and come to can differ based on context. Come across often carries a surprised or curious tone when related to discovering something new, while come to typically has a serious and urgent tone, especially when referring to regaining consciousness after an accident or injury.
