I come across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I come across" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to encounter or meet someone or something unexpectedly. Example: During my vacation in Italy, I came across a charming little cafe tucked away in a narrow alleyway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I come across as serious rather than off-the-cuff".

Independent

I come across that phrase a lot.

The New York Times

"I come across as a real creep".

The New York Times

"I know how I come across.

The New Yorker

"I come across as superficial," he said.

The New York Times - Style

"I come across as too strong, too powerful.

Independent

Rarely have I come across a more unassuming railway operator.

The Guardian - Travel

Rarely have I come across such conflicting accounts.

The Guardian

Sometimes I come across people with bad attitudes.

The Guardian

I come across it occasionally, and envy it madly.

The Guardian - Books

The first mirror I come across is in my bathroom.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I come across" when you want to describe an unexpected encounter or discovery. For example, "While researching, I came across a fascinating article."

Common error

Avoid using "I come across" when you intend to say "I convinced". These phrases have different meanings, and using them interchangeably can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I come across" functions as a verb phrase indicating an unexpected encounter or discovery. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English. The examples provided demonstrate its use in describing chance meetings and discoveries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I come across" is a common and grammatically correct way to express an unexpected encounter or discovery. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use in English writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to narrate chance meetings or new findings, adding an element of surprise or serendipity. While generally neutral in tone, its usage spans across various contexts, making it a versatile addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to use it when you genuinely mean to describe an unexpected event and not confuse it with similar-sounding phrases. Alternatives include "I encounter" or "I stumble upon".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I encounter

This alternative is a more formal synonym, suitable for academic or professional settings.

I stumble upon

This suggests a more accidental or serendipitous discovery.

I chance upon

This implies finding something unexpectedly or by luck.

I run into

This is a more informal alternative, often used in spoken language.

I meet unexpectedly

This emphasizes the surprise element of the encounter.

I discover

This emphasizes the finding or learning of something new.

I find

This is a general term for locating something, less specific about the manner of finding.

I detect

This implies finding something that might not be immediately obvious.

I happen to see

Focuses on the visual aspect of encountering something.

I observe

This alternative has more emphasis on careful or scientific finding.

FAQs

What does "I come across" mean?

"I come across" means to encounter or find someone or something unexpectedly. It suggests a chance meeting or discovery.

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

You can use "I come across" to describe finding something new or meeting someone unexpectedly. For example, "While cleaning, "I came across" some old photographs."

What can I say instead of "I come across"?

You can use alternatives like "I encounter", "I stumble upon", or "I run into" depending on the context.

Is "I came across" the past tense of "I come across"?

Yes, "I came across" is the past tense of "I come across". It indicates that the encounter or discovery happened in the past.