"I came across" vs "I come across"

Question

"I came across" vs "I come across"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I came across' is used when referring to a past event, while 'I come across' is used when talking about a present or habitual action. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on the timeframe of the action being described.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

Use 'I came across' when talking about something that happened in the past.

Examples:

Yesterday, I came across an interesting book at the library.

Alternatives:

I encountered
I stumbled upon
I found

Use 'I come across' when talking about something you regularly encounter or when describing a current situation.

Examples:

Every day, I come across new challenges at work.

Alternatives:

I encounter
I run into
I find

Answer 1

I came across

This phrase is correct when referring to a past event.

Answer 2

I come across

This phrase is correct when referring to a present or habitual action.

"I came across" vs "I come across"

I came across

I come across

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