Commonly confused
Come across vs Come by
“Come across” and “Come by” look alike but pull in different directions. Here is what each one means, with examples — and the difference that learners most often miss.
The key difference
Come across means find or meet someone or something by chance. Come by means pay a brief visit.
come across
- 1
Find or meet someone or something by chance
“I came across an old letter.”
- 2
Give a particular impression to others
“He comes across as friendly.”
come by
- 1
Pay a brief visit to someone
“Come by for a coffee.”
Stop mixing them up
Sink In turns confusable pairs like this into quick contrast drills, so the right particle becomes automatic.