across the river

USAGE SUMMARY

"across the river" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use this phrase in a sentence like, "We took a boat ride across the river to explore the other side of the lake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Across the river was Bosnia.

The New Yorker

From the poor country across the river.

The New Yorker

Across the river the castles got smaller.

The New Yorker

Across the river was West Virginia.

The New Yorker

Then I looked across the river.

The New Yorker

Manhattan looms across the river.

The New York Times

I looked across the river.

The New York Times

Cars stream across the river.

The Guardian - Arts

I'm living right across the river".

The Guardian - Arts

A fire flares across the river.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's best known for the bridge across the River Kwai.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about locations, check whether the river is a significant geopolitical border, as it adds context to the phrase and often implies a cultural or economic distinction between the sides.

Common error

Avoid using "across the river" without specifying which river is being referenced. Ambiguity can confuse the reader if the river is not clearly identified within the text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the river" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or direction in relation to a river. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it specifies where something is situated or how someone or something moves.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "across the river" is grammatically correct and very common, primarily functioning to indicate spatial relationships. Ludwig AI validates its usability in diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias and wiki sources, the phrase serves to provide spatial orientation, often implying geographical or cultural context. While generally neutral in register, specifying which river is crucial for clarity. Alternatives include "on the opposite bank" or "to the other side of the river". Overall, "across the river" is a versatile phrase for specifying locations and directions relative to a river.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over the river

A more concise way to describe movement across the river.

to the other side of the river

Emphasizes the destination rather than the crossing itself.

going to the other side

A simpler and more general expression indicating movement to the opposite side.

on the opposite bank

Focuses on the location being on the other side, rather than the movement.

on the far bank

Emphasizes the distance and location on the other side.

spanning the river

Describes something that stretches from one side of the river to the other.

reaching the opposite shore

Highlights the act of arriving at the other side.

crossing the waterway

A more generic term if the specific body of water is not necessarily a river.

navigating the river

Focuses on the process of moving through the river, often implying a journey.

traversing the watercourse

A more formal and less common way to describe crossing a river.

FAQs

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

You can use "across the river" to describe a location, movement, or view. For example, "The city is located "across the river" from the old town", or "We took a ferry "across the river" to visit the museum".

What are some alternatives to saying "across the river"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "on the "opposite bank"", "to the other side of the river", or "over the river".

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

Both "over the river" and "across the river" are generally correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance, with "over the river" sometimes implying a more general or figurative sense of crossing.

What does it mean when something is located "across the river"?

When something is ""across the river"", it means it's situated on the opposite side of a river from the speaker or a reference point. This often implies a geographical or possibly a cultural or economic separation.