Phrasal verb
come across
Meanings
to find or discover someone or something by chance
to meet someone unexpectedly
to be perceived in a particular way; to give an impression
Definition
To come across someone or something means to find or notice them by chance.
When you come across something, you find it unexpectedly, often while doing something else. You can also come across a person by meeting them accidentally. In another common meaning, a person can come across in a particular way, meaning they give a certain impression to others.
Examples
- I came across an old notebook while cleaning my desk.
- You might come across some great street food if you explore the side streets.
- She came across my cousin at the airport and said hello.
- They came across as confident during the interview.
Common mistake
Learners often use "come across" when they mean "come over" (visit), but "come across" usually means find/meet by chance or give an impression.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.