has come across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has come across" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has encountered or discovered something, often unexpectedly. Example: "During my research, I have come across several interesting articles that discuss the topic in depth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Your opponent has come across like he is a retreat to the past".

Independent

Some people say that he [Bashô] has come across the fish as he's walking.

Columbia University

He has come across as an elderly, ineffectual party boss with few fresh ideas and little energy.

The Economist

She has come across really well," he said of the 20-year-old single mother from Dagenham, Essex.

Independent

Over all, Mr. Bush has come across as more exasperated at Mr. Gore than the other way around.

The New York Times

That has come across throughout this tournament, with Nani always polite and available in Portuguese, English and (already) Spanish.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Arts

It would have come across as a bad joke".

The Guardian - Music

"The very few brushes with prejudice I have come across have been with blue-collar workers.

Independent

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

Huffington Post

One that we may not have come across before.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has come across" to describe an unexpected discovery or encounter. It adds a sense of chance or serendipity to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "has come across" when describing an intentional search or investigation. It's more appropriate for accidental findings. Use "found" or "discovered" instead when the finding was the result of a planned effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has come across" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the action of encountering or discovering something, often unexpectedly. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing accidental findings or chance meetings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "has come across" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe an unexpected discovery or encounter. As Ludwig AI states, it's well-suited for various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While alternatives like "has encountered" or "has discovered" exist, "has come across" specifically conveys the element of chance or serendipity. Remember to use it appropriately, reserving it for unplanned findings to maintain clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has encountered

Focuses more on the act of meeting or facing something, potentially less accidental than "has come across".

has discovered

Emphasizes the finding of something previously unknown or hidden, a more active discovery than a chance encounter.

has found

A general term indicating the locating of something, can be less specific about the manner of finding.

has stumbled upon

Highlights the accidental nature of the discovery, suggesting a lack of intention.

has run into

Suggests a more direct and possibly unplanned meeting with someone or something.

has experienced

Focuses on the personal involvement and feeling of the situation, rather than discovery.

has witnessed

Implies observing an event or situation, often of significance.

has perceived

Emphasizes understanding or becoming aware of something through the senses or intuition.

has learned of

Suggests gaining information about something, often through indirect means.

has identified

Indicates a process of recognition and naming of something, often in a formal or scientific context.

FAQs

What does "has come across" mean?

The phrase "has come across" means to find or encounter something unexpectedly. It implies an element of chance or surprise in the discovery.

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

You can use "has come across" to describe finding information, meeting people, or encountering situations unexpectedly. For example, "During my research, I "have come across" several interesting articles."

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

You can use alternatives like "has encountered", "has discovered", or "has stumbled upon" depending on the context.

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

"Has found" is a general term for locating something, while "has come across" implies the finding was unexpected or happened by chance. Use "has come across" when you want to emphasize the accidental nature of the discovery.