across the path

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "across the path" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is situated or moving from one side of a path to the other, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The children ran across the path, laughing and playing as they chased each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fat porcupines lumbered across the path.

The New Yorker

Lizards darted across the path.

The New Yorker

A snake slithered across the path.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's insulting," the zebra added from across the path.

The Guardian - Books

Acorns pummel our shoulders and lie splattered across the path.

The Guardian

There are also a number of fallen trees that at times lie across the path.

The Guardian - Travel

Across the path, a police officer sits in a small booth day and night.

The New York Times

Across the path was the Hotel Stroh, a decaying place whose proprietor was a wreck.

The New Yorker

Occasionally some creature or other darted across the path, far along.

The New York Times - Sports

He then called her attention to another bed across the path.

The New Yorker

Long lateral branches of the hybrid oak cast shadows across the path.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "across the path" to vividly describe movement, obstacles, or positioning in physical or metaphorical contexts. This phrase works well to create a sense of direct interaction or obstruction in narratives and descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "along the path" or "on the path" interchangeably with "across the path" unless the context clearly indicates movement from one side to the other. "Along the path" suggests movement parallel to the path, while "on the path" indicates being situated directly on it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the path" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate spatial relationships. It specifies the position or movement of something in relation to a path, often suggesting an obstruction or a direct encounter. This is supported by Ludwig's examples demonstrating diverse contexts of use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "across the path" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe spatial relationships, movement, or obstacles encountered along a route. Grammatically sound and very common, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase, highlighting its frequent use in news, books, and travel contexts. When using "across the path", ensure it accurately conveys the intended spatial relationship and consider alternatives such as "over the path" or "along the path" for nuanced meanings. Avoid confusing it with phrases like "in the path", which suggests a different kind of obstruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over the path

Emphasizes movement vertically over the path instead of horizontally.

on the path

Indicates something existing or happening directly on the path's surface.

crossing the trail

Uses "trail" instead of "path", implying a more rugged or natural route.

along the path

Highlights movement parallel to the path.

over the trail

This alternative uses the word "trail" instead of "path", denoting a rougher or less defined path.

in the path

Focuses on obstruction or being situated directly within the path's area.

in the pathway

Uses "pathway," suggesting a designated or structured route.

intersecting the path

Specifies a crossing or intersection with the path.

transversing the way

This alternative uses a less common verb, "transversing", suggesting a complete crossing and substitutes the word "way" instead of "path".

traversing the path

Implies a more deliberate and complete crossing of the path.

FAQs

How can I use "across the path" in a sentence?

The phrase "across the path" is used to describe movement or presence spanning the width of a designated route, either literally or figuratively. For instance, "A fallen tree lay "across the path", blocking our way", or "New challenges arose "across the path" of success".

What are some alternatives to "across the path"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "over the path", "on the path", or "in the path". Consider also alternatives like "intersecting the path" or "traversing the path".

Is it correct to say "over the path" instead of "across the path"?

While both phrases describe a relationship to a path, "across the path" typically implies movement or extension from one side to the other, whereas "over the path" often suggests vertical movement or a position above it. The choice depends on the specific context you intend to convey.

What is the difference between "in the path" and "across the path"?

"In the path" generally signifies being directly in the line of movement or progress, often as an obstacle. "Across the path", however, emphasizes spanning the entire width of the route, creating a barrier or a broad presence. For example, something "in the path" is an obstruction you must go around, while something ""across the path"" blocks the entire way.