across the road

USAGE SUMMARY

"across the road" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a location that is located on the other side of a road, such as when you want to say that something is visible from the opposite side of the road. For example: "I could see a beautiful lake across the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HOME ACROSS THE ROAD, by Nancy Peacock.

The New York Times - Books

"She is across the road.

The New Yorker

The cinema across the road.

The New Yorker

The jalopy swung wildly across the road.

The Economist

The accordion player stands across the road.

The New Yorker

I work just across the road".

The New Yorker

We made several trips across the road.

The New Yorker

A storm downs trees across the road.

The New York Times

Imagine if you were across the road.

Independent

Pedestrians sprint across the road.

The Guardian

Jackals scampering across the road.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "across the road" to clearly indicate a location directly opposite another, with the road serving as the dividing line. For example, "The bakery is located "across the road" from the library."

Common error

Avoid using "across the road" when the intended meaning is simply nearby or in the general vicinity. Use more precise language if the location isn't directly opposite via the road, such as "near the road" or "close to the road".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the road" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location. It specifies the position of something in relation to a road, indicating it's on the opposite side. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "across the road" is a prepositional phrase indicating a location on the opposite side of a road. Ludwig AI highlights that it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. The phrase serves to provide spatial orientation, and its register is generally neutral. While alternatives like "on the other side of the street" exist, "across the road" remains a straightforward and common choice for describing locations relative to a road. Be mindful of using it precisely to describe locations directly opposite each other, rather than just nearby.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the other side of the street

Emphasizes the street as the defining boundary, focusing on the opposite side.

opposite the road

Highlights a direct opposition in location relative to the road.

just over the way

Implies a short distance across the road, suggesting ease of access.

on the far side of the road

Stresses the distance to the other side, implying a wider road.

facing the road

Focuses on the orientation of a building or object in relation to the road.

at the road's edge

Indicates a position very close to the road, but not necessarily across it.

the other side of the blacktop

Uses a more descriptive term ("blacktop") for the road surface.

on that side of the road

A more generic way to indicate a location on the other side.

over yonder

An informal way to indicate a location across the road, suggesting a slightly greater distance.

on the roadway's other flank

Flank suggests a broader, more expansive area on either side of the road.

FAQs

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

Use "across the road" to indicate something is located on the opposite side of the road from something else. For example, "The post office is located "across the road" from the grocery store."

What's a less literal way to say "across the road"?

Depending on context, you could use phrases like "on the other side of the street" or "opposite the road" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "across the road" in formal writing?

Yes, "across the road" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing contexts, as it's a clear and straightforward way to describe a location. However, consider whether a more precise term would be appropriate for specific cases.

What is the difference between "across the road" and "near the road"?

"Across the road" implies a direct opposition, separated by the road itself. "Near the road" simply means in close proximity to the road, but not necessarily on the opposite side.