"across" in phrasal verbs.

Question

X acrossI think across bear this meaning: you want to describe X is happening and then you see something that is not so surprising, it is possible to see, and then it comes out and you see it. It is sort of surprising but not shocking. You know what I mean? Sort of important point. You want to express that point in bold in your speech. I hope you got my point.Come across sthRun across sthStumble across sthGet sth acrossPut sth across

Mark Callan · Accepted Answer

Come across sth Find something or meet someone by chance.

Run across sth Similar to above.

Stumble across sth Find or find out about something by chance.

Get sth across Communicate, "I couldn't get it across to him that it was impossible." Make someone understand.

Put sth across Look in a phrasal verb dictionary.

USF · Answer

Thank you very much Callen, you help my post be more clear. But what I am looking for is checking my understanding, whether a native feels that way or not. Could you help me? Thank again.

Mark Callan · Answer

Hi there. Across is an adverb particle meaning from one side to the other. He walked across the street. So it could mean connecting two parts.

Enoon · Answer

"Cross" has connotations of hindrance. That is what you are sensing in the first three. When you cross someone, you thwart your mutual plan. We can talk at cross-purposes, cross swords, even be cross. In the last two, you are sensing the isolation of individuality inherent in all communication.

But the connotations are there to be seen when your vocabulary is equal to the task you have set yourself. I think you are putting the cart before the horse. Learn lots and lots of words in all their definitions, and you will be able to do what native speakers do when they use phrasals.

USF · Answer

enoon"Cross" has connotations of hindrance. That is what you are sensing in the first three. When you cross someone, you thwart your mutual plan. We can talk at cross-purposes, cross swords, even be cross. In the last two, you are sensing the isolation of individuality inherent in all communication.

Could you please explain it? I know that cross individually means these, but as particle of a phrasal verb I don't have the same perception.

Enoon · Answer

I know. You posted your perceptions. I thought they were off base, so I was giving you my interpretation of the roles of the particle based on "cross" in the phrasals you mentioned. When you run, come, stumble across something, it is in your way, and that's why you notice it. Surprise is a consequence, not an intrinsic condition implied by "cross".

We communicate with other people across the great void that is the world outside our thin little skins. Any time we manage to connect, it should be sort of surprising.

But I still think you're barking up the wrong tree.

USF · Answer

Thanks

, and you helped me to amend my perception. Thanks for your advice, but I am like a tape that is stuck in a player. I play until it get out my mind. I like modelling, and I'd like to try it. For instance, I studied roots of English words (affixes and roots) and they helped me to read English text better and understand others speech better. However, I don't think it would help my speaking. Speaking need training. I don't know, but it worked for me. I am trying to make my own phrasal verbs and check them in dictionary. Like sort of a game, to make studying more interesting.

"across" in phrasal verbs.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions