come across
To find something or someone without looking for them; or the way you seem to other people.
Meanings
To find or encounter something or someone by chance, without specifically looking for them.
"I came across my grandmother's diary while clearing out the attic."
"I came across a photograph of her at a party, laughing."
— Nick Hornby, High Fidelity, 1995
To give a particular impression to others; to seem in a certain way.
"She comes across as very confident in interviews, even when she's nervous."
To be communicated or understood effectively.
"His passion for the subject really came across in his lecture."
Two very distinct senses: (1) the discovery sense ('I came across an old letter') and (2) the impression sense ('She comes across as confident'). The impression sense is intransitive. Both senses are common and important for ESL learners at B1–B2.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "come across" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "come across" on Looplines