come across
يصادف
字面意思: to move across a surface or space
Use it when you find something cool or meet someone unexpected without any prior planning.
15秒了解
- To find something or someone by complete accident.
- Used for physical objects, digital finds, or people.
- Implies you were not looking for the thing you found.
意思
It means to find something or meet someone by total accident without planning it. It is that 'surprise' moment when you are looking for one thing but find something else entirely.
关键例句
3 / 6Cleaning the house
I came across some old letters while cleaning the attic.
I found some old letters while cleaning the attic.
Browsing the internet
I came across a fascinating article about space travel today.
I found a fascinating article about space travel today.
Professional research
We came across some interesting data during our routine check.
We found some interesting data during our routine check.
文化背景
The phrase highlights the English-speaking world's appreciation for spontaneity and 'serendipity.' It became widely popular in the 19th century to describe both physical discoveries and the way a person's character is perceived by others.
The 'As' Secret
If you add 'as' after it, like `come across as`, it changes to mean the impression you give people. 'He comes across as nice' means he seems nice!
No 'With' needed
Don't say 'I came across with a book.' Just say 'I came across a book.' Adding 'with' is a very common mistake!
15秒了解
- To find something or someone by complete accident.
- Used for physical objects, digital finds, or people.
- Implies you were not looking for the thing you found.
What It Means
Imagine you are cleaning your messy room. Suddenly, you find an old photo under the bed. You didn't look for it. It just appeared. That is come across. It is about accidental discovery. It works for physical objects like money in a pocket. It also works for people you meet at the mall. It even works for digital things like a cool video.
How To Use It
Use it like a normal verb. You can say I came across for the past. If you are talking about a person, say I came across an old friend. If it is an object, say I came across a great book. You do not need to use 'with' or 'by'. Just put the object or person right after the phrase. It is simple and direct.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound natural. It is perfect for storytelling. Tell your friends about a weird website you found. Use it in a meeting to describe a new data point. It fits perfectly when you are texting. It shows that the event was a lucky or random coincidence. It adds a bit of flavor to your daily English.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you planned the meeting. If you have an appointment, do not say I came across my doctor. That sounds like you tripped over him in the hallway! Also, avoid it for things you searched for intensely. If you spent five hours on Google, you didn't come across the answer. You searched for it and found it. Use it only for the 'oops, look at that' moments.
Cultural Background
English speakers love the idea of 'serendipity' or happy accidents. Using come across makes you sound like a relaxed explorer. It suggests that life is full of little surprises. In Western culture, finding a coin on the street is good luck. You would tell your family, 'I came across a lucky penny today!' It reflects a culture that values spontaneous moments over rigid schedules.
Common Variations
Sometimes people use run into for people. But come across is more versatile. You can also use it to describe an impression. For example, He comes across as shy. This means he 'seems' shy to others. It is a slightly different meaning but very common. Stick to the 'finding' meaning first to build your confidence. You will sound like a pro in no time!
使用说明
The phrase is highly versatile and works in almost any social setting. Just remember that 'come across' is for the discovery, while 'come across as' is for the impression.
The 'As' Secret
If you add 'as' after it, like `come across as`, it changes to mean the impression you give people. 'He comes across as nice' means he seems nice!
No 'With' needed
Don't say 'I came across with a book.' Just say 'I came across a book.' Adding 'with' is a very common mistake!
The British Touch
In the UK, people might say 'stumble across' to mean the exact same thing, but it sounds even more accidental and clumsy.
例句
6I came across some old letters while cleaning the attic.
I found some old letters while cleaning the attic.
Describes finding a physical object by chance.
I came across a fascinating article about space travel today.
I found a fascinating article about space travel today.
Used for digital discovery.
We came across some interesting data during our routine check.
We found some interesting data during our routine check.
Professional but still implies the discovery was unplanned.
You won't believe who I came across at the grocery store!
You won't believe who I met at the grocery store!
Used for an unexpected encounter with a person.
I came across my cat hiding in the dishwasher again.
I found my cat hiding in the dishwasher again.
Adds a lighthearted tone to a funny discovery.
I came across our wedding video and started crying.
I found our wedding video and started crying.
Used in a more serious, sentimental context.
自我测试
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
While I was walking in the park, I ___ a beautiful hidden fountain.
You found the fountain by accident while walking, so 'came across' is the perfect fit.
Complete the sentence regarding an impression.
In the interview, he ___ as very confident and professional.
When describing how someone 'seems' to others, we use 'come across as'.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Come Across'
Talking to friends about a cool video.
I came across this funny meme.
The most common way to use the phrase.
I came across an old book.
Reporting a discovery in a document.
The team came across several errors.
Where to use 'Come Across'
At Home
Finding money in old jeans.
Online
Finding a new favorite song.
In Public
Seeing a former teacher.
At Work
Finding a bug in the code.
常见问题
10 个问题It means to find something or meet someone by chance. For example, I came across a $20 bill on the sidewalk.
Yes, you can use it when you meet someone unexpectedly. You might say, I came across my cousin at the airport.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend without any problem.
'Find' can be intentional, but 'come across' is always accidental. You 'find' your keys after searching, but you 'come across' a cool shop while walking.
The past tense is came across. For example, Yesterday, I came across an old photo album.
Absolutely! You can say, I came across a great idea for our project while reading.
This means the way you appear to others. She comes across as very intelligent means people think she is smart when they meet her.
'Run into' is usually only for people. 'Come across' works for both people and objects.
No, that is incorrect. You should say I came across it without the word 'with'.
Yes, it is very common in both American and British English. It is a staple phrase for all speakers.
相关表达
stumble upon
To find something by even more of an accident than 'come across'.
run into
To meet someone you know unexpectedly.
happen upon
A slightly more formal/literary way to say you found something by chance.
bump into
A very casual way to say you met a friend by surprise.
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