come across

Meaning

This phrasal verb has two common meanings. First, it means to find or meet something or someone by chance. Second, it describes the specific impression or personality a person projects to others.

Examples

• I came across an old photo of my grandparents while cleaning the attic.

  I came across an old photo of my grandparents while cleaning the attic.

• She comes across as very confident, but she is actually quite shy.

  She comes across as very confident, but she is actually quite shy.

• Did you come across any interesting articles in the library today?

  Did you come across any interesting articles in the library today?

• He didn't mean to come across as rude; he was just tired.

  He didn't mean to come across as rude; he was just tired.

• If you come across my keys, please let me know.

  If you come across my keys, please let me know.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I came across with an old friend at the supermarket.

  ✓ I came across an old friend at the supermarket.

  The phrasal verb 'come across' does not require the preposition 'with' when you find or meet someone by chance.

• ✗ She comes across like a very nice person.

  ✓ She comes across as a very nice person.

  When describing the impression someone makes, use 'come across as' followed by a noun or adjective, rather than 'like'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I was browsing the bookstore and ___ this rare novel.

  💡 Found by chance.

  Show answer

  came across

• He doesn't want to ___ as arrogant during the interview.

  💡 Give the impression of being.

  Show answer

  come across