Below you will find two of the uses of the phrasal verb 'come across' which you are likely to find used in the Cambridge Advanced exam.
In addition to the meaning/definition for each use, you will also find two examples of it being used with each meaning (to help you understand the use and the context it is used in better).
In order to remember these uses, make sure to make an example in your own words with the phrasal verb.
Use 1
To find something by chance (normally when travelling somewhere or in an unexpected place).
"Where did you get this painting from?"
"I CAME ACROSS it in the street a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe someone would have thrown it out."
Look what I CAME ACROSS when I was cleaning the attic, these photos of your grandparents when they were young. I forgot we still had them.
Use 2
To say what someone seems or seemed to be like (what impression they give/gave of themselves).
"How did I COME ACROSS when I was doing the presentation?"
"You seemed a bit nervous and unsure."
I know when you meet her for the first time she COMES ACROSS as arrogant, but she isn't like that at all.
Return to the list of 50 commonly phrasal verbs in the CAE exam.