Phrasal Verb: Come Across
to find by chance
Examples
- I came across an old photo.
Key rules
- Come across means find something or someone by chance
- It takes an object after "across": come across an old photo
- It can also mean make an impression: she comes across as friendly
- Keep the object after "across"
Common mistakes
- I came across it an old photo → I came across an old photo
- I come across an old photo yesterday → I came across an old photo yesterday
💡 Tip: Use the past tense for a finished event such as yesterday.