Browse all

bump across

C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To find something or meet someone without planning to.

Literal meaning: To physically collide with something while crossing.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To encounter or find something or someone unexpectedly.

"I bumped across an interesting article about medieval trade routes while doing my research."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Rare variant of 'bump into' or 'come across'. Not widely used and may sound unusual to many native speakers. Learners are advised to use 'come across' or 'bump into' instead.

Commonly used with

article old friend reference information problem

Forms

Base
bump across
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bumps across
he/she/it
Past simple
bumped across
yesterday
Past participle
bumped across
have + pp
-ing form
bumping across
continuous

Understand "bump across" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "bump across" on Looplines