across the square

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "across the square" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe movement or location in relation to a square area, such as a town square or plaza. Example: "We decided to meet at the café located across the square from the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ambulances wailed across the square throughout the night.

The New York Times

The sun sank, casting shadows across the square.

The New York Times

But across the square, trepidation inflected the growing euphoria.

The New York Times

Sannoh motioned to a small general store across the square.

The New Yorker

Slowly a group of clowns wander across the square.

The Guardian

A plastic bag dances across the square in the breeze.

The Guardian - Sport

Fire extinguishers can be seen arranged at lampposts across the square.

The New York Times

They walked across the square and turned the corner where the truck had stopped.

The New Yorker

From across the square, the free number 16 bus took me back to Pest.

Independent

Typically, a single spray of blossoms lies poised in empty space across the square album leaf.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She'd ambled off across the square barefoot a few minutes earlier.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement in a town or city, use "across the square" to clearly indicate traversing an open public space. For example, "The protesters marched across the square towards the government building."

Common error

Avoid using "across the square" when referring to non-square-shaped areas; use more general terms like "across the area" or "across the plaza" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the square" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb of motion or location, indicating movement or positioning relative to a square or plaza. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "across the square" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, indicating movement or location relative to a public square. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It appears predominantly in news and media, with neutral formality. Alternative phrases like "through the square" or "over the square" offer subtle variations in meaning. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately describes movement within or location in proximity to a square-shaped area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through the square

Suggests a passage directly amidst the square.

over the square

Implies movement above the square's surface, rather than on it.

on the other side of the square

Focuses on the destination point after crossing the square.

on the far side of the square

Highlights the distance to the other side of the square.

opposite the square

Emphasizes a location facing the square.

transversing the square

A more formal way of saying crossing the square.

diagonally through the square

Specifies the angle of movement across the square.

in the square's vicinity

Indicates a location near, but not necessarily within, the square.

bordering the square

Implies a position along the edge of the square.

bisecting the square

Indicates a division of the square into two parts.

FAQs

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

Use "across the square" to describe movement or location relative to a square-shaped public area. For example, "The cafe is located "across the square" from the museum."

What phrases are similar to "across the square"?

Similar phrases include "over the square", "through the square", or "on the other side of the square", each subtly changing the nuance of the description.

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

While both can be used, "across the square" typically implies movement on the ground, while "over the square" might suggest movement above the square, like a bird flying.

What's the difference between "across the square" and "around the square"?

"Across the square" indicates a path that cuts through the square, while "around the square" suggests a path that encircles the square without entering it.