Run across vs Come across

Both 'run across' and 'come across' are correct phrases in English. They are interchangeable and can be used to mean encountering something or someone unexpectedly. The choice between them is a matter of personal preference or regional usage.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 573 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Run across"

The phrase 'run across' means to encounter something or someone unexpectedly. It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples:

I ran across an old friend at the supermarket yesterday.
While hiking, we ran across a beautiful waterfall.
Have you ever run across a book that changed your life?
She ran across some interesting information while doing research.
The kids ran across a stray kitten in the park.

Show examples from the web [+]

I had to run across the campus buck naked.
Erin Hickman, I haven't run across that name.
I just went out and picked up the first 10 guys I run across.
He testifies that he saw a young black man with a gun run across a parking lot and leap over the 6-foot fence surrounding the motel.
I've run across the most beautiful case of complex maladjustments.
My apologies, mate, but if I'd run across a prince during my adventure, I think I'd remember it.
One day they run across it and don't recognize it.
So as not to run across another closed restaurant.
I'd just rather run across it myself.
He tried to run across the river, sir.
They run across the field and get blown to pieces.
It will also enhance the opportunities for collaborative projects to be run across Member States.
You could run across a very angry lion.
That's the decentest man I ever run across.
I'm sure we'll run across something.
I've never run across one like that.
A kid from my neighborhood tried to run across the railroad tracks.
We run across them when we're drilling.
Too bad, we just run across a doctor of sorts.
A couple months ago, Jessup and me run across each other by total accident.

Alternatives:

come across
stumble upon
chance upon
encounter unexpectedly
find unexpectedly

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Come across"

The phrase 'come across' also means to encounter something or someone unexpectedly. It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples:

I came across an interesting article while browsing the internet.
She came across a rare coin in her attic.
Have you ever come across a more helpful person?
While cleaning the garage, we came across some old photographs.
He came across as very knowledgeable during the presentation.

Show examples from the web [+]

Come across death made you think.
Great, I was lucky to come across the soldier who follows orders.
I saw you come across the pasture low.
You come across some tribes that give you the girls.
As a performer, I haven't come across anyone better.
They manage to escape and come across another Leon in the engine room.
Dal and Mac track the Confederates and come across their wounded brother.
In my 70 years, I have come across many people.
You will come across monkeys, spiders, and snakes in their natural environment.
Come across something that don't make you miserable enjoy it.
Come across some kind of redemption.
Come across, or everybody knows.
Come across your type in the forces.
Come across when you finish, Miss Hobson's.
Come across and tell him it's all right.
Come across and tell him it's all right.
Come across the street when you finish.
Come across this sort of thing before, have you?
"Come across with half the room rent."
Responding to the anguished voices of those eager for light who beg us: «Come across and help us» (Cfr. Act. 16: 9);

Alternatives:

run across
stumble upon
chance upon
encounter unexpectedly
find unexpectedly

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Run across vs Come across

"Run across"

"Come across"

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