a cross between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a cross between' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is partially one thing and partially another. For example, "This new restaurant is a cross between an American diner and a French bistro."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jane McGonigal is a cross between Tim Ferriss and Kelly Osbourne.

The New York Times

"He's a cross between BRUCE LEE and NIJINSKY," he said.

The New York Times

Ronaldo is a cross between Dixie Dean and Usain Bolt.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a cross between a pasture and a moonscape.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A cross between A. R. Gurney and Joe Orton".

The New York Times

Vanilla paste is essentially a cross between extract and bean.

The New York Times - Food

A cross between Ellingtonian orchestration and Latin percussion.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's like a cross between architecture and dispensers".

The New York Times

(A cross between "The One" and "That Woman").

The New York Times

Is it a cross between "haha," "hee hee," and "heh"?

The New Yorker

It's a cross between a Shih Tzu and a pig.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cross between" to vividly describe something by relating it to two well-known and easily understood concepts, enhancing clarity and creating a more engaging image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a cross between" if the two elements being compared don't share meaningful similarities, as this can confuse readers and weaken your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cross between" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, providing a comparative description by linking it to two distinct entities. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent use in creating analogies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cross between" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that serves to vividly describe a subject by comparing it to two distinct entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its prevalence in news and media, alongside its use in scientific and wiki contexts, highlights its broad applicability. When employing this phrase, ensure that the comparison is both meaningful and clear to effectively communicate the intended characteristics. The phrase can create a vivid picture in the reader's mind when relating it to familiar objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blend of

Focuses on the combination of qualities, often used for flavors or styles.

a hybrid of

Highlights the mixed nature, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

a fusion of

Emphasizes the merging of elements into a new, unified whole.

a combination of

States a simple joining of features, without necessarily implying a seamless blend.

somewhere between

Indicates a position on a spectrum or continuum between two extremes.

a mix of

Suggests a less formal or structured combination of elements.

partly one, partly the other

Explicitly states the dual nature of something, dividing its characteristics.

an amalgamation of

Implies a merging or consolidation, often in a business or political context.

a composite of

Highlights the constructed nature of something from multiple components.

a melange of

Emphasizes a diverse and perhaps chaotic mixture of elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a cross between" in a sentence?

Use "a cross between" to describe something that shares characteristics of two different things. For example, "The new dessert is "a cross between" a cake and a pudding".

What phrases are similar to "a cross between"?

Alternatives include "a blend of", "a hybrid of", or "a fusion of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a cross between X and Y"?

Yes, the structure "a cross between X and Y" is grammatically correct and commonly used to show that something has qualities of both X and Y.

What's the difference between "a cross between" and "a combination of"?

"A cross between" often implies a more seamless or integrated blend, whereas "a combination of" might suggest distinct elements that are simply brought together. For instance, saying "It's "a cross between" jazz and classical" suggests a merging of styles, while "a combination of flavors" might mean distinct flavors experienced together.