by crossing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by crossing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving from one side to another, often in the context of a physical or metaphorical crossing. Example: "The river can be safely navigated by crossing the bridge that spans its width."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ms. Mujawamariya managed to escape by crossing the border.

The New York Times

The couple avoided the confrontation by crossing the street.

The Guardian

The complex is reached by crossing a rainbow bridge.

The New York Times - Arts

Crowds poured from both, herded by crossing guards.

The New York Times

Many hybrids have been developed by crossing species within the genus and also by crossing Vanda species with those of other orchid genera.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Session 4: Unbound, Hai by Crossing Minds, Mira, Kinta AI, Wingly, Vtru**.

TechCrunch

Its makers say they managed to boost his communication skills by crossing robotics with sociology.

TechCrunch

But more important is that they scale by crossing geographic and industry borders.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Primitive maize was "reconstructed" by crossing teosinte with Argentinian corn.

Science Magazine

Htau mice were obtained by crossing tau knock-out mice with 8c mice [ 8].

Acta Neuropathologica

This is done by crossing the blood brain barrier.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by crossing" when you want to describe a method of overcoming a physical barrier, boundary, or abstract concept, emphasizing the action of moving from one side to another.

Common error

Avoid using "through" as a direct substitute for "by crossing" when the context specifically involves traversing a defined boundary or barrier. "Through" often implies movement within something, whereas "by crossing" highlights the act of passing over or across it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by crossing" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the method or means by which an action is accomplished. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatility in describing both physical and abstract actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by crossing" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the action of moving from one side of something to another, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, ranging from scientific literature to news articles. When writing, remember that while "through" might seem similar, "by crossing" emphasizes the act of traversing a boundary. The frequency and authoritative sources confirm its acceptance and utility in diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via traversing

Focuses on the act of moving across something, similar to crossing, but may imply a more extensive journey.

through transiting

Suggests a more formal or structured passage, like using a designated route or checkpoint.

by overstepping

Implies exceeding a boundary or limit, often with a negative connotation.

through navigating

Highlights the skill or effort required to move through a complex or challenging environment.

by passing over

Emphasizes the act of going beyond or disregarding something.

through a passage

Emphasizes a route or channel that facilitates movement.

using a bridge

Specifies a structure used for crossing, rather than the act itself.

by way of transition

Highlights the shift or change that occurs when crossing from one state to another.

by means of intersection

Focuses on the point where two things meet or cross, rather than the movement itself.

via a junction

Emphasizes the connection or joining of two paths or areas.

FAQs

How can I use "by crossing" in a sentence?

You can use "by crossing" to describe how someone or something moves from one side of an object, space, or idea to the other. For example, "They escaped "by crossing" the border" or "The problem was solved "by crossing" disciplinary boundaries."

What phrases are similar to "by crossing"?

Alternatives include "via traversing", "through transiting", or "by overstepping" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it better to use "through" instead of "by crossing"?

"Through" is more appropriate when describing movement within something, rather than movement over or across something. For example, one might say "walking through the forest" but "crossing the bridge".

Is "by crossing" a formal or informal phrase?

"By crossing" is a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than on the phrase itself.