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come across — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 find by chanceTo find or discover something or someone unexpectedly, without looking for it.
  2. 2 seem or give an impressionTo appear or be understood in a particular way by others.
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1

find by chance

B1come across sthMost common

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

I came across an old photo album while cleaning the attic.

A: Where did you get that book?
B: I just came across it at a second-hand shop yesterday.

During my research, I came across several interesting articles that changed my perspective.

Common mistake

✗I came across with an interesting article.

✓I came across an interesting article.

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

Tell it apart

I came across an old letter.

found it by chance

He comes across as shy.

gives that impression
Use 'come across' when you find something by accident, not when you search for it.'Come across' is different from 'find' because it means you weren't looking for it.

Often paired with

come across + find
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2

seem or give an impression

B2come across sth adjective/noun

To appear or be understood in a particular way by others.

She comes across as very confident in interviews.

A: Did I come across as rude in the meeting?
B: No, you were just being honest.

I try to come across as friendly and open when meeting new people, especially in professional situations.

Common mistake

✗He comes across cold.

✓He comes across as cold.

For impressions, you need 'as' + adjective/noun: 'come across as friendly'.

Tell it apart

She comes across as confident.

gives that impression

I came across an old photo.

found it by chance
Use 'come across as' when talking about the impression you give to others.Not about finding things, but about how someone seems to others.

Often paired with

come across as + impression
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find by chanceseem or give an impression