across the two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "across the two" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comparison or relationship between two entities, groups, or items. Example: "The results were consistent across the two studies, indicating a strong correlation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why not take Newsbeat and run that across the two?

The Guardian

Only a small minority mixed subjects across the two cultures.

The Guardian - Opinion

What has been your main priority across the two organisations?

The Guardian

The top four seeds were eliminated across the two rounds.

The New York Times

The voltage drop across the two inner probes was measured.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Width of bolt head across the two opposite flats.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Teaching became seamless across the two professions (p.13).

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

The participants provided 1036 comments across the two cases.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Are there significant differences across the two contexts?

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

The number of breaks varies across the two empirical specifications.

Latin American Economic Review

The trend was generally consistent across the two syllables.

Lingua Sinica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "across the two" when you want to emphasize a comparison or relationship that extends or applies to both of two distinct entities. It's particularly useful when highlighting similarities, differences, or trends that are apparent when considering both together.

Common error

Avoid using "across the two" when "between the two" is more appropriate. "Between" is typically used when referring to distinct, separate items, while "across" implies a connection or extension encompassing both. For instance, use "between the two options" if you are choosing one, but use "across the two studies" if you are comparing results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "across the two" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it introduces a comparative or relational element, indicating that something applies or extends to both of two entities. It's used to show a commonality, difference, or a trend observed in both.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "across the two" is a grammatically correct and common way to express a comparison or relationship that extends to two specific entities. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent use in scientific and news contexts, where it serves to highlight similarities, differences, or trends. While "between the two" can sometimes be a suitable alternative, it is more appropriate when emphasizing the distinct nature of two items, rather than a shared aspect. Therefore, when aiming to show a connection or encompassing relationship, "across the two" is a reliable choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between the two

Focuses on the space or relationship connecting two distinct entities, similar to comparing something "across the two".

spanning the two

Implies a connection or extension that covers both entities, emphasizing coverage rather than direct comparison.

encompassing both

Highlights the inclusion of both entities within a single scope or consideration.

in both

Directly indicates presence or occurrence in each of the two entities.

in relation to both

Emphasizes the comparative aspect of considering two distinct items.

regarding the two

Focuses on the subject matter or topic related to the entities.

in connection with both

Highlights the link or association between them, similar to a correlation.

considering the pair

Suggests assessing or evaluating the two entities as a unit.

with respect to the two

Indicates a specific viewpoint or aspect under which the two entities are examined.

relative to the pair

Focuses on how one entity is positioned or understood in comparison to the other.

FAQs

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

You can use "across the two" to compare or relate two distinct entities, highlighting similarities, differences, or trends. For example, "The trend was consistent "across the two" groups."

What can I say instead of "across the two"?

You can use alternatives like "between the two", "spanning the two", or "encompassing both" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "across the two" or should I use "between the two"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Across the two" suggests a connection or comparison that extends over both entities, while "between the two" emphasizes the distinction or separation between them. Choose the phrase that best reflects the relationship you want to convey.

What's the difference between "across the two" and "among the two"?

"Across the two" implies a comparison or relationship spanning two specific entities. "Among the two" is less common and grammatically awkward; "between the two" is the preferred phrasing when referring to a relationship involving two items.