cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cross" is correct and can be used in written English.
Depending on context, it can be used as a verb, noun, or adjective. For example: He crossed the street to reach his destination. (verb) The cross acts as a symbol of hope. (noun) The children had a look of cross confusion on their faces. (adjective).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

I've been wolfing down whey protein powder (cross flow, micro-filtered and hydrolysed) and branch-chain amino acid tablets".

The Guardian

1) A late entry, but a brilliant one, from Massimo Gobbi, who met Jaime Valdés's cross with one of the most perfect outside-of-the-boot volleys you are ever likely to see.

The Guardian - Sport

The Roma goalkeeper Mauro Goicoechea helped to seal Zeman's fate with his spectacular mishandling of a Danilo Avelar cross.

The Guardian - Sport

The intervening hours were filled with internal feuding and bloodletting, played out in public and in real time, like a cross between The Thick of It and 24.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the north's economic problems do not stem from a lack of tech-startups or an inability to cross the Pennines at lightning-quick speed; they are borne of successive crises of capitalism, each of which leaving behind their own uncompromising legacy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The cross-country flights somehow seemed to all be on old, broken-down planes, while gate agents and flight attendants all just seemed crabbier.

The Economist

Under cross-examination by Fairfax's barrister, Matt Collins, Hockey was asked why the North Sydney Forum membership forms referred to providing practical support to Hockey and used the words "business and community leaders supporting Joe Hockey MP".

The Guardian

But cross-examination of a DfE witness revealed that the free school department's annual administrative budget is £8m.

The Guardian

It allows them to see evidence in advance of it being aired at the inquiry and to seek to cross-examine witnesses.

The Guardian

The trailers are being shown before and after Netflix's self-produced TV shows, such as House of Cards and Marvel's Daredevil, and cross-promote other shows made by the video-streaming company.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "cross" to imply anger, consider the audience. While commonly understood, more direct terms might be preferable depending on context.

Common error

Be mindful of the difference between "cross" (a verb or noun indicating movement or a shape) and "across" (a preposition indicating location or direction). Use "cross" to describe the action of moving, and "across" to describe where something is in relation to something else.

Linguistic Context

The word "cross" serves multiple grammatical functions. As a verb, it denotes movement or intersection. As a noun, it represents a shape or a burden. As an adjective, it describes something transverse or bad-tempered. Ludwig AI's analysis aligns with these varied functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sports

21%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Books

4%

Business

3%

Tech

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "cross" is a versatile term with diverse applications as a verb, noun, and adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use across various contexts. While "cross" commonly denotes movement, shapes, or anger, understanding its subtle nuances is crucial. Pay attention to prepositions and choose synonyms carefully to convey precise meaning. With careful consideration, writers can harness the full potential of "cross" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go across

A simple and direct way to express the action of moving to the other side.

intersect

Focuses on the point where two lines or paths meet.

traverse

Implies moving across a particular area or terrain.

pass over

Highlights the act of going from one side to another, often in a literal sense.

span

Suggests bridging a gap or distance.

oppose

When "cross" means to contradict or be against something.

thwart

Emphasizes the act of preventing someone's plans.

angry

Alternative when "cross" indicates a bad-tempered mood.

intersecting lines

More specific term referring to the geometric shape.

hybridize

Used in a biological context to describe crossbreeding.

FAQs

How can I use "cross" in a sentence?

The word "cross" can function as a verb, noun, or adjective. For example: "He will "cross" the street.", "The "cross" is a religious symbol.", and "She was "cross" about missing her train."

What are some synonyms for "cross" when it means angry?

When "cross" means angry, you can use alternatives like "annoyed", "irritated", or "bad-tempered".

What is the difference between "cross" and "across"?

"Cross" can be a verb (to go from one side to the other) or a noun (a shape). "Across" is a preposition that means from one side to the other of something. For example, you "cross" the street to get "across" it.

What does it mean to say someone is "cross"?

To say someone is "cross" means they are "angry" or annoyed. This usage is more common in British English.