come across sb/sth
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to find or meet someone or something by chance, without planning to.
phrasal verb. to encounter or discover someone or something unexpectedly; the encounter is typically accidental rather than the result of a deliberate search.
I came across an old photo while cleaning my room.
While researching the local history, she came across a reference to a hidden tunnel beneath the town square.
The archaeologists unexpectedly came across a series of ancient inscriptions that challenged the established timeline of the civilization's decline.
the object can be a person, an object, or an abstract idea like information.
contrast with 'find' (which can be intentional) and 'run into' (usually used for people); 'come across' is very common for discovering information or physical objects.
I came across with a great book.I came across a great book.do not use 'with' after 'across'; the verb is followed directly by the object.
Last updated April 24, 2026