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What does “come across as” mean?

Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.

B2

To appear or seem (to other people)

“He comes across as shy at first.”

From the B2 lesson What Are They Like? (describing people).

C1

To give a particular impression, often different from reality

“He comes across as confident, but he's actually quite shy.”

Say it smoothly: “come-acrossaz”

From the C1 lesson What Are They Like? (describing people).

Quick check

What does “come across as” mean?

Teaching this phrase?“come across as” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 1 (Life, People and Places) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 1 (Life, People and Places).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack

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