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TeacherJapan Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

come across sb?

When you use the expression "come across," do you put "something" rather than "someone" as an object? Or "come across" can be followed by something and someone both?
  

Top answer

teacherJapan When you use the expression "come across," If you mean 'find or meet by chance', then you can have a personal or insentient object: I came across Harry at the mall yesterday. I came across an old book that I really love. Is that what you mean?

— Mister Micawber

  • teacherJapan When you use the expression "come across," If you mean 'find or meet by chance', then you can have a personal or insentient object: I came across Harry at the mall yesterday.
  • I came across an old book that I really love.
  • Is that what you mean?
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4 Answers
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teacherJapanWhen you use the expression "come across,"
If you mean 'find or meet by chance', then you can have a personal or insentient object:

I came across Harry at the mall yesterday.
I came across an old book that I really love.

Is that what you mean?
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Yes! Exactly:) My teaching material says or even insists that "come across should require something rather than someone as an object , so I was wondering about that. I wish someone like you would write a grammar book for those who are in desperate need of an excellent learning material. :-)
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teacherJapan I wish someone like you would write a grammar book
My expertise is too provincial. I am too often second-guessed by BrE speakers.
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:-) It's interesting that English has so many diversities, though they are all called "English" nevertheless:-)
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