cross country

USAGE SUMMARY

"cross country" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a sport or activity in which people race over long distances, usually across natural terrain such as hills, fields, and forests. For example, "He enjoyed competing in cross country in high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Cross country," he adds.

The New York Times

XC Short for "cross country".

The Guardian - Travel

Cross Country.

Forbes

Full cross country schedule.

BBC

Women's 10km cross country.

BBC

Men's 15km cross country.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He runs cross-country.

The New York Times

Driving cross-country.

The New York Times

"That's not cross-country.

The New York Times

Now we're travelling cross-country.

Independent

They got cross-country skis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cross country" to describe a sport, ensure you specify which type if the context isn't clear (e.g., "cross-country running" versus "cross-country skiing").

Common error

Avoid using "cross country" interchangeably with terms like "nationwide" or "international" if the specific context involves traversing natural terrain or participating in a particular sport. "Nationwide" refers to something happening across the country while "international" refers to something involving multiple countries.

Linguistic Context

Cross country functions primarily as a noun or a modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to sports like running or skiing over natural terrain or describes travel across a nation. Its function varies slightly depending on the context, but the core meaning remains consistent across examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cross country" is a versatile phrase used to describe sports over natural terrain or travel across a country. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in news and media, wiki, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, be precise about the type of activity (e.g., running, skiing) and avoid confusing it with broader geographical terms like "nationwide". For travel contexts, consider alternatives like "coast to coast" or "transcontinental" for nuance. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "cross country" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nationwide

Refers to something happening or existing throughout a country, focusing on geographical scope.

country-wide

Similar to nationwide, indicating something that applies or extends across the entire country.

coast to coast

Emphasizes traversing the entire width of a country, typically the United States.

throughout the nation

Stresses the pervasiveness of something within a country, emphasizing complete coverage.

long-distance

Focuses on the extended nature of a journey or activity, often implying travel over considerable distances.

from one side to the other

Emphasizes the complete traversal of a space, typically a country or region.

across the land

A more descriptive and evocative way to express movement or existence throughout a country.

overland

Highlights travel across land, especially in contrast to by sea or air.

transnational

Involves activities or operations that extend beyond national boundaries, highlighting international connections.

international

Deals with relationships or activities between different countries, broader than just within one.

FAQs

How is "cross country" used in sports?

In sports, "cross country" typically refers to running or skiing over natural terrain, as opposed to tracks or paved roads. It emphasizes endurance and adaptability to varying landscapes.

What does "cross country" mean in the context of travel?

When referring to travel, "cross country" means traversing the entire distance of a country, often by road. This contrasts with local or regional travel.

What are some alternatives to "cross country" when talking about travel?

When discussing travel, alternatives to "cross country" include "coast to coast", "transcontinental", or "nationwide", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cross country" one word or two?

"Cross country" is typically written as two words. While "cross-country" with a hyphen is also acceptable as a compound adjective, the two-word form is standard as a noun.