Meaning trap

come across

find by chance

To find or discover something or someone unexpectedly, without looking for it.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

find by chance

To find or discover something or someone unexpectedly, without looking for it.

come across (seem or give an impression)

Another meaning of 'come across' is 'seem or give an impression'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

I came across an old photo album while cleaning the attic.daily life
During my research, I came across several interesting articles that changed my perspective.IELTS speaking

Pattern: come across + noun/pronoun

WrongI came across with an interesting article.

RightI came across an interesting article.

'Come across' takes the object directly — no 'with' (that changes the meaning).

Patterncome across + noun/pronoun

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I serendipitously encountered an old photograph.

Natural I came across an old photo.

'Come across' is the everyday verb for finding something by chance; 'serendipitously encountered' is showy.

Words that usually travel with it.

'Come across' is different from 'find' because it means you weren't looking for it.

come across (seem or give an impression) — Another meaning of 'come across' is 'seem or give an impression'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.