What are the definitions of “come across”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “come across”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb come across is to find something or someone by accident or unexpectedly. It often refers to discovering something while doing something else, such as finding an old photo while cleaning a room.
What are the different verb forms of “come across”?
| Root Verb | come across |
| Third Person Singular Present | comes across |
| Present Participle | coming across |
| Simple Past | came across |
| Past Participle | come across |
Example
I came across an interesting article while browsing the internet.
Example
She comes across as a very confident person.
Example
He is coming across as a bit arrogant in the meeting.
Example
Yesterday, I came across a beautiful park while walking in the city.
Example
Have you ever come across a situation like this before?
What kind of phrasal verb is “come across”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“come across” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I came across an old friend while shopping.
Example
She came across a rare book in the library.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“come across” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I came across an old friend while shopping.
Example
She came across a rare book in the library.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “come across”?
Good things to know
Does “come across” have an informal or formal tone?
Come across is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as in business meetings or academic discussions, depending on the context.
