cross each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross each other" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used when referring to two or more objects that intersect each other, either in the physical or figurative sense. For example, you could say, "The roads crossed each other at the intersection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jet-trails cross each other off before they die out, a careless X.

The Guardian

The words cross each other, or interlock, which gives the puzzle its name.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fingers crossed, maybe next month we'll finally see those lines cross each other again.

The New York Times

Traveling in tight bunches along the twin beams, the protons will cross each other at four points around the ring, 30 million times a second.

The New York Times - Science

Eventually, the beams are deflected so that they cross each other, allowing some of their constituent particles to collide head-on.

The Economist

Sidings are places where trains can cross each other.

European Transport Research Review

Two persons walk towards and cross each other (89 frames).

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

This leads to erroneous fiber tractography results in locations where fiber bundles cross each other.

NeuroImage

The necessary condition for chaos is that the streamlines should cross each other at different times.

Micromixers Fundamentals, Design and Fabrication

In the densely-populated urban areas, pedestrian flows often cross each other and congestion is caused.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Figure 4a shows the two oleic acid molecules that cross each other.

Advanced Structural and Chemical Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or data trends, use "cross each other" to vividly illustrate points of intersection or divergence.

Common error

Avoid using "cross each other" when a simpler term like "meet" or "pass" would suffice for describing casual encounters. For instance, instead of saying "We cross each other in the hallway", consider using "We meet in the hallway."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual action between two or more entities. It describes the act of intersecting or interacting, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cross each other" is a versatile and grammatically sound reciprocal verb phrase that describes the intersection or interaction of two or more entities. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, including science, news, and general writing. While it's a common phrase, avoid overusing it in simple situations where more direct terms like "meet" or "pass" would be more appropriate. Remember to use "cross each other" when you need to illustrate the concept of intersection or coming together from different directions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intersect each other

Adds emphasis on the reciprocal nature of the intersection.

intersect

Implies a more geometric or mathematical meeting at a point.

meet

Suggests a general coming together, not necessarily involving crossing paths.

intertwine

Implies a twisting or weaving together, often more complex than a simple crossing.

converge

Suggests lines or paths coming together from different directions.

crisscross

Suggests a pattern of crossing lines or paths, repeated multiple times.

pass each other

Emphasizes the act of moving by while maintaining separate paths, rather than a direct intersection.

overlap

Indicates that two things partially cover each other, not necessarily crossing at a single point.

come across each other

Indicates an accidental or coincidental meeting.

encounter

A more formal and general term for meeting, often implying a challenge or difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "cross each other" in a sentence?

The phrase "cross each other" indicates an intersection or interaction. For example, "The roads cross each other at the intersection" or "Our paths will cross each other again someday".

What is a synonym for "cross each other"?

Alternatives to "cross each other" include "intersect", "meet", or "pass each other", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "cross each other"?

Yes, "cross each other" is grammatically correct when referring to two or more entities intersecting or interacting.

What is the difference between "cross each other" and "intersect each other"?

"Cross each other" is a more general term indicating an intersection or interaction, while "intersect each other" typically implies a more precise geometric meeting point.