across the sky

USAGE SUMMARY

'across the sky' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the movement of something across the sky, as in the example sentence: "The birds flew across the sky, creating a dazzling display of motion and color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Ascreaming comes across the sky.

Independent

Georgia O'Keeffe clouds scud across the sky.

The New York Times - Travel

A rainbow arced across the sky.

The New York Times - Travel

A jet sliced across the sky.

The New York Times

"A screaming comes across the sky.

The New York Times - Books

A screeching comes across the sky.

The New Yorker

Storms spread like inkblots across the sky.

The New Yorker

The clouds are dashing across the sky.

Independent

A jet sped across the sky.

The New Yorker

across the sky. the courtyard.

The Guardian - Books

A sunbird dashed across the sky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "across the sky" to describe movement or extension of objects, phenomena, or light in the sky. For example, "The comet streaked across the sky, leaving a brilliant trail."

Common error

Avoid using "across the sky" when describing objects that are fixed or static in the sky. For example, instead of saying "The moon is across the sky", it's more appropriate to say "The moon is in the sky".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the sky" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs. Ludwig AI indicates that is grammatically correct. For example, it describes the direction or path of movement, as in "A jet sliced across the sky."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "across the sky" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes movement or extension within the celestial sphere. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news, media and scientific writing. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it for stationary objects. Alternatives like "in the sky" or "through the sky" can offer subtle differences in meaning. Overall, it's a reliable and descriptive phrase for communicating about objects and phenomena observed in the sky.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through the sky

Emphasizes movement and passage through the aerial space.

streaking through the sky

Emphasizes rapid movement leaving a trail.

in the sky

Focuses on the location within the sky rather than movement.

arcing through the sky

Specifically describes a curved path through the sky.

spanning the sky

Highlights the extent or reach across the visible sky.

over the sky

Indicates a position above the sky, potentially less common.

through the heavens

Suggests a journey or passage through the celestial sphere.

in the heavens

Adds a more poetic or celestial tone.

visible in the sky

Highlights the ability to be seen within the sky.

high in the sky

Focuses on the elevated position within the sky.

FAQs

What does "across the sky" mean?

The phrase "across the sky" describes movement or positioning of something that extends from one point to another within the visible sky. It implies traversing a distance within the celestial space.

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

You can use "across the sky" to describe the movement of celestial bodies, aircraft, or weather phenomena. For example, "A flock of birds flew "through the sky"", or "The storm clouds rolled "over the sky"".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "in the sky", "through the sky", or "spanning the sky", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "across the sky" formal or informal?

"Across the sky" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than on the phrase itself.