cross paths

USAGE SUMMARY

"cross paths" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to when two people or objects meet unexpectedly or seemingly by chance, for example: "We never expected to cross paths again so many years later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"If we cross paths.

The Guardian - Sport

The lines eventually cross paths about 1986.

The New York Times - Books

The two groups rarely cross paths.

The New York Times

I'm sure we will … cross paths, that is.

The Guardian - Sport

Johnson and Cravan would cross paths again, briefly.

The Guardian - Sport

You cross paths with each, as the characters' fates intersect.

The New York Times

I try not to cross paths with him".

The New York Times

If we left at the same time, we'd cross paths.

The New York Times

Do you ever cross paths in the offseason with combatants?

The New York Times

Decades later, though, geometry and I were destined to cross paths again.

The New York Times

People who would normally never cross paths are talking intensely by the stove.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cross paths" to describe chance encounters, unexpected meetings, or when individuals' lives or journeys intersect briefly or significantly.

Common error

Avoid using "cross paths" to describe scheduled meetings or deliberate encounters. It implies an element of surprise or accident, which would be inappropriate in planned contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross paths" functions as a verb phrase indicating an accidental or unplanned meeting. It describes the intersection of two or more people's journeys or lives, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples where individuals "cross paths" in various circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cross paths" is a versatile and common verb phrase used to describe chance encounters or unplanned meetings. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and general media. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to avoid using it in the context of prearranged meetings. Alternatives such as "meet unexpectedly" or "run into" can be used to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run into

Similar to 'bump into', suggesting a brief and unplanned meeting.

bump into each other

Implies a casual, often unplanned encounter.

have a chance meeting

Emphasizes the accidental aspect of the encounter.

meet unexpectedly

Focuses on the unplanned nature of the meeting.

encounter by chance

Highlights the role of luck or happenstance in the meeting.

come across

Broader than "cross paths", referring to finding or encountering something.

find oneself meeting

More formal way to say "meet unexpectedly".

intersect

Uses a geometric metaphor to describe the meeting of paths or trajectories.

coincide

Highlights the simultaneous occurrence of events or paths.

converge

Suggests separate entities moving towards a common point or meeting place.

FAQs

What does it mean to "cross paths" with someone?

To "cross paths" with someone means to meet them unexpectedly or by chance. It suggests that your lives or journeys briefly intersect, often without prior planning.

How can I use "cross paths" in a sentence?

You can use "cross paths" in a sentence like this: "I never thought we would "cross paths" again after all these years."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "cross paths"?

Some alternatives to "cross paths" include "meet unexpectedly", "bump into", or "run into". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "cross paths" formal or informal?

"Cross paths" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and situation than on the phrase itself.