How to use "come across"

What Does "come across" Mean?

• The phrasal verb "come across" has two main meanings:
  1. To find or meet someone or something unexpectedly.
  2. To give a particular impression or seem to be a certain type of person.
• The meaning is semi-idiomatic. While "come" and "across" individually have meanings, their combination creates distinct new meanings that aren't simply the sum of their parts.
• Register: Neutral

How to Use It

• Grammatical pattern: verb + particle (phrasal verb).
• Typical objects: For the 'find unexpectedly' meaning, the object is usually a noun or noun phrase (e.g., "I came across an old photo"). For the 'give an impression' meaning, it's often followed by "as" + adjective or noun phrase (e.g., "She comes across as confident").
• Can the components be separated? Yes, in some cases, particularly when the object is a pronoun. For example, "I've come across it." However, when followed by "as," the components are not separable.
• What sounds unnatural: Using the wrong preposition (e.g., "come over" when you mean "come across"), using the wrong verb (e.g., "go across" when you mean "come across" in the sense of finding something), separating the verb and particle incorrectly (e.g., "I came it across" instead of "I came across it").

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from come across on Ludwig.guru.

"Do you come across as a professional?" — WikiHow

"Here they come across intact." — The New York Times - Arts

"I've come across it." — The Guardian

"They have come across a constitutional charm." — The New Yorker

"So they come across as amateurs." — The New Yorker

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/come+across

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
discover	More formal, emphasizes finding something new or previously unknown.
encounter	Slightly more formal, often used for unexpected meetings or problems.
find	General term for locating something, less emphasis on unexpectedness.
seem	Similar to "come across as," focusing on appearance or impression.
appear	Similar to "seem," often used to describe how someone or something looks or sounds.
strike someone as	Implies a strong or immediate impression.
give the impression	More formal way to express that someone or something creates a particular feeling.

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong preposition: For example, saying "come over" when you mean "come across" in the sense of finding something unexpectedly.
• Incorrect separation: Separating the verb and particle incorrectly when a pronoun is the object (e.g., "I came it across" instead of "I came across it").
• Confusing with similar phrasal verbs: A common mistake is confusing it with similar phrasal verbs like 'come along' or misunderstanding which preposition to use after 'come' in different contexts.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Meaning	Grammatical Pattern	Register
come across	1. Find unexpectedly. 2. Give a particular impression.	verb + particle (+ noun phrase or "as" + adjective/noun phrase)	Neutral

FAQs

Can the parts of "come across" be separated in a sentence?

Yes, the parts of "come across" can be separated, but only in specific instances. When the object is a pronoun, it should be placed between "come" and "across," such as in the sentence, "I came across it". However, if the object is a noun phrase, or if the phrase is followed by "as," the parts should remain together.

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How is "come across" different from "encounter"?

Both "come across" and "encounter" refer to finding something unexpectedly, but "encounter" is generally more formal. "Come across" is more common in everyday conversation, while "encounter" is often used in more formal writing or speech, especially when referring to challenges or obstacles.

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How can I avoid confusing "come across" with other similar phrasal verbs?

To avoid confusion, focus on the specific meaning you want to convey. If you mean to find something unexpectedly or give a particular impression, use "come across". If you mean to accompany someone, use "come along." Paying attention to the context and the intended meaning will help you choose the correct phrasal verb and avoid miscommunication.