come across well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come across well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how someone is perceived or understood by others, particularly in terms of their communication or presentation skills. Example: "During the presentation, she really came across well, engaging the audience and conveying her ideas clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"He doesn't come across well," she said.

The Guardian - Opinion

They come across well on television.

The New York Times - Food

I want to come across well, too.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps negative inference doesn't come across well in print.

The Guardian - Film

"They've got to come across well, not just talk the numbers but build relationships".

The Economist

"She hasn't come across well with some of the things she's done on Q&A.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Though the organisation has come across well-equipped, clean facilities and many families believe they're doing the right thing for their children, DRI's president Laurie Ahern maintains "there is no such thing as a good orphanage.

The Guardian

The only caveat that I would like to add, from my experience, is that while you may be subjected to hate, you'll come across well-wishers, too.

Huffington Post

He's not coming across well".

The Guardian

"I thought she came across well," Buchanan says blandly.

The Guardian - Music

Of Lawn, she says, Andrew came across well.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider specifying how someone "come across well" (e.g., "He comes across well in interviews" or "She comes across well as a leader").

Common error

While "come across well" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for synonyms like "present effectively" or "demonstrate competence" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come across well" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used to describe how a person or thing is perceived by others. Ludwig AI examples show that this phrase indicates the quality of the impression made, whether positive or negative. It frequently appears in discussions of performance, communication, and personal presentation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come across well" is a common and useful way to describe whether someone or something is creating a positive impression. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrasal verb is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts like news, academia, and business. While versatile, remember that more formal synonyms might be preferable in some formal settings. By understanding its nuances and considering the context, you can effectively use "come across well" to evaluate communication and personal presentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a good impression

Focuses more on the act of creating a positive perception.

present oneself effectively

Emphasizes the manner of self-presentation.

be perceived positively

Highlights the favorable perception by others.

create a favorable image

Focuses on crafting an appealing public image.

give a positive vibe

Uses more informal language, suggesting a good feeling is conveyed.

project confidence

Highlights the element of displaying self-assurance.

exude competence

Focuses on conveying skill and ability.

display charisma

Emphasizes personal appeal and charm.

resonate with others

Highlights the ability to connect and evoke positive responses.

strike a chord

Focuses on creating a sympathetic or emotional connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "come across well" to describe how someone presents themselves or how their message is received. For example, "She "comes across as confident"" or "His ideas "came across well in the meeting"".

What are some alternatives to "come across well"?

Alternatives include "make a good impression", "present oneself effectively", or "be perceived positively" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "come across well" or "coming across well"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "come across well" is the base form and often used in general statements. "Coming across well" is the present participle form, used in continuous tenses, such as "He is "coming across well" in the presentation".

What does it mean when someone "doesn't come across well"?

If someone "doesn't come across well", it means they are failing to create a positive impression or are being perceived negatively. This could be due to poor communication skills, lack of confidence, or other factors that hinder their ability to "connect with others".