WordVale

come across

to find by chance; to give an impression

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to find or meet someone or something by chance

2. (verb) to seem or appear to be a particular way to other people

Examples

• 1. I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic.
• 2. She comes across as very confident in interviews.

How to use come across

This phrasal verb has two main uses: the first (find or meet by chance) emphasizes accidental discovery or encounter, often in contexts of searching or browsing; the second (seem or appear) describes the impression someone or something makes on others, focusing on how they are perceived or received. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English.

Common phrases

• come across someone
• come across something
• come across as
• come across well
• come across the right way

Synonyms

encounter · stumble upon · run into · happen upon · strike (someone as)

Word family

comes across · came across · coming across

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the two senses and may use it in contexts where 'appear' or 'seem' would be clearer, or fail to recognize that 'come across as' requires a descriptor (adjective or noun) following it.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

call off, carry out, catch on, come up with, count on, cut down on

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained