I've come across

USAGE SUMMARY

"I've come across" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express that you have come across something or someone, typically in the context of having just learned about it or encountered it for the first time. For example, "I've come across some really interesting research on the long-term effects of eating processed foods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Here are some examples that I've come across recently.

The New York Times - Arts

No neurologist I've come across has much to offer, beyond a few new drugs.

The New York Times - Health

The best visor setup I've come across was on a Chevrolet truck.

The New York Times

The earliest recommendation I've come across is third grade.

Huffington Post

I've come across it.

The Guardian

But Nicholson's ranks among the best that I've come across.

The New York Times - Food

I've come across a few people recently who grow strawberries.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He really is one of the best I've come across".

The Guardian - Sport

Sam's story is not the worst I've come across.

The Guardian

He is also unlike any actor I've come across.

The Guardian - Film

I've come across some very different sorts of captains.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I've come across" in formal writing, consider whether a more precise verb like "encountered" or "discovered" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "I've come across" in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I have encountered" or "I have found" for a more engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've come across" functions as an introductory expression used to present information or observations that the speaker has recently encountered or learned. It serves to set the stage for the topic and indicate the speaker's personal experience with it. Ludwig examples showcase this in diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I've come across" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce information that you've recently encountered. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable for expressing new discoveries. While most frequently found in news and media, its use extends to formal and business contexts as well. For academic or scientific writing, consider stronger alternatives such as "I observed" for added precision. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase and vary your language with synonyms to maintain reader engagement. The examples show that "I've come across" is most effective when leading into a specific instance or finding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have encountered

Uses a more formal verb, "encountered", which implies a slightly more significant or unexpected meeting.

I have discovered

Suggests a more deliberate or significant finding, often implying something previously unknown.

I have found

Implies discovering something, whether physically or abstractly, and is a more general term.

I became aware of

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge or understanding about something.

I stumbled upon

Suggests an accidental or unexpected discovery, often implying something hidden or obscure.

I have observed

Uses a more formal and detached term for noticing something, often in a scientific or analytical context.

I ran into

Indicates a chance encounter, often with a person, and is more informal.

I've noticed

Indicates a casual or less formal observation.

I've experienced

Focuses on the personal experience of encountering something, highlighting the subjective aspect.

I witnessed

Emphasizes the act of seeing or observing something, often implying something significant or noteworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "I've come across" in a sentence?

You can use "I've come across" to introduce a new piece of information or an experience you've recently had. For example, "I've come across some interesting research on the effects of climate change."

What's a more formal alternative to "I've come across"?

More formal alternatives include "I have encountered", "I have discovered", or "I became aware of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I've come across" suitable for academic writing?

While acceptable, using stronger verbs such as "I have observed" or "I have analyzed" might be preferable in academic contexts for a more precise and formal tone.

What's the difference between "I've come across" and "I found"?

"I've come across" often implies a more casual or accidental discovery, while "I found" can suggest a more deliberate search or discovery.