bridges

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bridges" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to structures that span physical obstacles or metaphorically to describe connections between ideas or groups. Example: "The new policy aims to build bridges between the community and local government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Politics

Tech

Environment

Business

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As Russell walked through Glasgow Cross, he said, he saw the helicopter flying westwards over the Saltmarket main road and railway bridges that run parallel to it, only a few hundred metres east of the Clutha Vaults.

The Guardian

The cause Lee believes will help build bridges among Republicans?

The Guardian

His friend Beatrice Wood defended the choice of object, saying "the only works of art America has given are her plumbing and her bridges".

The Guardian - Arts

A long bus journey to Kalka in the plains, and then the fabulous narrow gauge railway, through a hundred tunnels and countless bridges, amid awesome sights and scenery.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The supply shortage may be a consequence of Argentina burning its bridges with foreign creditors, which has led to tighter supplies of foreign currency, hurting imports.

The Guardian - Money

I want engineers to build bridges; I want a trained surgeon to operate on hearts and I want some of our decision-makers and commentators to either shut up, or familiarise themselves with climate science well enough to talk sense.

The Guardian

The coded message "Ham and Jam", indicating that both bridges had been captured, was transmitted.

The Guardian

The conference aims to build bridges between Iranians inside Iran and the Iranian diaspora as well as with the tech industry in the west, says Kamran Elahian.

The Guardian - Tech

The two cities are separated by bridges but all the other borders are blurred.

The Guardian

On Tuesday tens of thousands of protesters commanded bridges over the Danube in central Budapest in the biggest challenge to the prime minister since he returned to power in 2010.

The Guardian

A novel might traditionally have a mix of scene and summary, the former telling the story in action and the summary functioning as exposition that bridges scenes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about infrastructure projects, use "bridges" to specify physical structures that facilitate transportation over obstacles. Be precise with descriptions by specifying bridge types (e.g. suspension "bridges", arch "bridges").

Common error

Avoid using "bridges" metaphorically in contexts where the connection is weak or unclear. Overusing the metaphor can dilute its impact. Instead, choose more precise terms such as "relationships", "links", or "connections" to specify the type of bond you mean.

Linguistic Context

The noun "bridges" primarily functions as a plural noun, denoting multiple structures designed to facilitate passage over obstacles. As indicated by Ludwig, its frequent usage in news and media contexts underscores its role in describing physical infrastructure and metaphorical connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Business

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Tech

4%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "bridges" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting physical structures facilitating passage or metaphorical connections. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and correct usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, "bridges" maintains a neutral register, fitting diverse discussions. While generally correct, metaphorical use requires careful consideration to avoid dilution. Related terms include "overpasses" and "connections", offering nuanced alternatives. Remember to specify bridge types when discussing infrastructure, as you have read from this comprehensive overview.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overpasses

Refers specifically to structures that allow passage over a road or railway, a more specific type of "bridges".

viaducts

Implies a long bridge-like structure, typically carrying a road or railway across a valley or other low-lying area, differing in scale and purpose.

flyovers

Similar to overpasses, but often used in the context of road junctions, offering a less general term than "bridges".

span

Focuses on the act of extending across a space or gap, rather than the physical structure itself, a slightly more abstract meaning.

crossings

Denotes a place where one can cross over something, such as a road or river, broader than just structural "bridges".

connections

Represents a broader sense of joining or linking things together, metaphorically similar to "bridges" but lacking the physical structure aspect.

linkages

Similar to connections, emphasizing the act of linking or connecting, but may not always involve physical infrastructure.

infrastructure

Refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society or enterprise, where "bridges" are just one component.

relationships

Metaphorically refers to connections between people or groups, a more abstract use of "bridges" to represent understanding and collaboration.

alliances

Implies formal agreements or partnerships, diverging from the structural meaning of "bridges" but still representing connections.

FAQs

How can I use "bridges" in a sentence?

The word "bridges" typically refers to structures built to span a physical obstacle, such as a river or valley. For example, "The city has many old stone "bridges"." It can also be used metaphorically to describe connections between people or ideas, such as, "We need to build "bridges" between different cultures."

What are some synonyms for "bridges"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "bridges" could include "overpasses", "viaducts", "flyovers", "crossings", "connections", and "linkages". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "bridges" metaphorically?

It is appropriate to use "bridges" metaphorically when you want to emphasize the idea of connecting or linking disparate entities. For example, you might say, "The new policy aims to build "bridges" between the community and local government." Ensure the metaphorical use is clear and relevant to the context.

Is "bridges" always a plural noun?

Yes, "bridges" is the plural form of the noun "bridge". To refer to a single structure, use "bridge". For example, "The Golden Gate bridge is a famous landmark," versus, "Many "bridges" span the river."