bumped across

USAGE SUMMARY

"bumped across" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical movement, for example: "I accidentally bumped across the table as I walked by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I joined the speedboat crew as they bumped across the open sea to pick up another group of migrants.

The Guardian

"I'm able to clear my mind and it helps me put it all in perspective," he said as his pickup bumped across a field.

The New York Times

"Pretty much all I can say is that it feels like there are about five people driving a knife in my wrist now," said Price after 10 agonising days of being jolted and bumped across the dunes and desert.

The Guardian - Sport

As a roving full-time soldier-cartoonist, he bumped across the bloodiest sectors of Italy, France and Germany, producing six cartoons a week for the G.I. newspaper Stars and Stripes.

The New York Times - Books

In our taxi, we bumped across a famer's field outside of a small village in Shandong and ended up at this archaeological site dating to the Spring and Autumn Period.

The New Yorker

"We use global positioning satellites to make sure that our rows are straight," he said as we bumped across the fields in his S.U.V., with the first snow of the season dusting the tops of the Blackfoot Mountains in the distance.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Then we were heading north again, bumping across an empty snow-covered ribbon of gravel cut through the spruce.

The New York Times - Travel

In these spots, the trucks and buses plying Tibet's battered roads must drive down the banks, bump across the river bed, and struggle up the other side.

The Economist

The ground is dusty and dry, old Mercedes cars bump across unmade roads while gleaming 4x4s shoot past nearby on newly built motorways.

The Guardian - Travel

A hug and a kiss later, he was in his battered pickup truck, bumping across Acuña's rutted streets in a freezing drizzle.

The New York Times

An opening animated sequence depicts the birth of the monkey, who is hatched from a stone egg that bumps across mountain peaks in time with the thundering opening bars of music.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bumped across" to vividly describe movement over a rough or uneven surface. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of the physical experience of the motion.

Common error

Don't use "bumped across" when a smoother or more controlled movement is intended. It specifically suggests an unsteady journey; a better verb may be needed for gradual and graceful movement.

Linguistic Context

Bumped across functions as a verb phrase describing movement, typically vehicular or object-based, over an uneven surface. It vividly conveys the jarring sensation of such movement. Ludwig confirms the expression's validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bumped across" is a valid and descriptive verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig, best used to illustrate movement over uneven terrain. It enhances writing by vividly portraying the physical sensation of such journeys. While grammatically correct, its frequency is uncommon, primarily appearing in news and media sources. When considering alternatives, ensure the replacement maintains the emphasis on rough or unsteady movement, as this is central to the phrase's meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jostled over

Emphasizes a rougher, more forceful movement across a surface.

rattled across

Implies a noisy and shaky traversal, often in a vehicle.

lurched over

Suggests an unsteady, uncontrolled movement, possibly due to imbalance.

rolled over

Indicates a turning motion while moving over something.

stumbled through

Implies difficulty and a lack of grace in moving across an area.

bounced along

Highlights the up-and-down movement during the passage.

staggered across

Suggests weakness or intoxication affecting the movement.

careened through

Emphasizes a swerving and rapid movement, possibly out of control.

crisscrossed

Implies moving back and forth across an area, not necessarily smoothly.

traversed unevenly

Focuses on the bumpy nature of the surface being crossed.

FAQs

How can I use "bumped across" in a sentence?

You can use "bumped across" to describe movement over a rough surface, like: "The jeep "bumped across" the rocky terrain."

What are some alternatives to "bumped across"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "jostled over", "rattled across", or "lurched over".

Is "bumped across" formal or informal?

"Bumped across" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for news articles and general writing, but less fitting for highly formal or scientific contexts.

Which is more appropriate: "bumped across" or "moved across"?

"Bumped across" implies a rougher ride than "moved across". Use "moved across" when you want to emphasize a smooth transition.