bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

Bridge is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun (an object) or a verb (an action). For example: "The bridge crossing the river was a beautiful sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

The Guardian

Mr David Wilkie, aged 35, was killed when a concrete block and a four foot long concrete post were dropped on his car from a bridge 20 feet above the A465 Heads of the Valleys road near Merthyr Tydfil.

The Guardian

Howard's glider came down only 47 yards from the bridge at Bénouville.

The Guardian

She took on the newly created job of representing moorland owners a year ago, convinced she could find a bridge between apparently conflicting interests.

The Guardian

Ronaldo was visibly angry after Bale failed to pass to him but the Portugal player insists it is already water under the bridge for him, while he also said the Madrid fans "should be nice" to the former Tottenham winger.

The Guardian - Sport

The solution, after public consultation, could be an upgraded crossing, a diversion, or a bridge.

The Guardian

At Motts Lane, Witham, south along this line, a bridleway was preserved via a £2.3m bridge made accessible to riders.

The Guardian

The White House had also risked alienating its own supporters by trying to help Boehner bridge the remaining gap and continuing with a controversial deportation policy while a comprehensive reform bill still looked a possibility.

The Guardian

With work on the bridge running late, the project is viewed by some as having parallels with Hull's quest to become the UK's city of culture: a costly act of hubris.

The Guardian

In the bridge they see something that connects Hull to the banks of the Humber, the North Sea, Europe and beyond.

The Guardian

He added: "This is one of the things that can help bridge that gap, that can help fill that hole".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bridge" to indicate connection, whether physical or conceptual, making sure the connection's nature is clearly stated in the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "bridge" vaguely in abstract contexts without specifying what the bridge connects. Instead of saying "a bridge was built", specify "a bridge was built between differing opinions".

Linguistic Context

The word "bridge" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a structure built to span a physical obstacle. It can also function as a verb, meaning to connect or span something. Ludwig provides many examples of both uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "bridge" is commonly used as both a noun and a verb, referring to a structure that spans a divide or the act of connecting elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct status and versatility. It is widely used across various contexts, from news reports to metaphorical expressions in professional settings. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

span

Refers to the act of extending across a divide, similar to how a bridge connects two points.

overpass

Specifically denotes a bridge that carries a road or railway over another.

viaduct

A long bridge consisting of multiple arches or spans, typically crossing a valley or ravine.

causeway

A raised road or track across low or wet ground or a body of water.

connect

General term for linking two things, abstract or physical.

link

Similar to connect, emphasizing a bond or relationship.

liaison

A person who acts as a link to assist communication or cooperation between groups.

go-between

An intermediary or mediator between parties.

mediation

The process of intervening between people or groups in order to reconcile differences.

reconciliation

The restoration of friendly relations.

FAQs

How can "bridge" be used as a verb?

As a verb, "bridge" means to connect or span something. For example, "The company aimed to "bridge the gap" between customer needs and product development".

What is a metaphorical use of "bridge"?

Metaphorically, "bridge" can represent a connection between ideas, people, or situations. An example is, "Education can "bridge cultural differences"".

What are some synonyms for "bridge" in a physical context?

In a physical context, synonyms include "span", "overpass", and "viaduct", each referring to a structure that crosses a divide.

What is the difference between "bridge" and "connection"?

"Bridge" often implies overcoming an obstacle or gap, while "connection" is a more general term for linking two things. A "bridge over" troubled water suggests overcoming difficulty, whereas a simple connection might not.