Meaning trap
come across
find by chance
To find or discover something or someone unexpectedly, without looking for it.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To find or discover something or someone unexpectedly, without looking for it.
Another meaning of 'come across' is 'seem or give an impression'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I came across an old photo album while cleaning the attic.
During my research, I came across several interesting articles that changed my perspective.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I came across with an interesting article.
Say: I came across an interesting article.
'Come across' takes the object directly — no 'with' (that changes the meaning).
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Come across' is the everyday verb for finding something by chance; 'serendipitously encountered' is showy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
come across + find
- an old photo
- a great article
- a word
- something useful
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- come across (seem or give an impression) — Another meaning of 'come across' is 'seem or give an impression'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.