cross paths with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross paths with" is correct and a perfectly valid expression in written English.
It can be used to refer to two people or things meeting by coincidence, chance, or fate. For example: "I never expected to cross paths with my high school best friend at the world's largest beer festival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

It was all very telling the first time I had to really cross paths with him.

The New York Times - Arts

If you live in New York or London, you can easily cross paths with Russian gangsters.

The Guardian - Film

Football is a small world and eventually you will cross paths with people again.

The Guardian - Sport

How strange to cross paths with someone for the first time right before they were gone.

The New Yorker

But, he emphasized, the apartment owners will not have to cross paths with hotel guests.

The New York Times

Desert boots and sandals cross paths with body piercing and tattoos.

The New York Times

Quick: How would you react were you to cross paths with a lion in the Kalahari?

The New York Times - Books

All kinds of people cross paths with one another in Austin.

The New Yorker

But that wouldn't be the last time that Gooden would cross paths with the Wizards.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cross paths with" to describe chance encounters or when people's lives briefly intersect. It implies a temporary or incidental meeting rather than a planned one.

Common error

Avoid using "cross paths with" when referring to scheduled meetings or intentional gatherings. This phrase is best suited for unexpected encounters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross paths with" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe an unplanned or coincidental meeting between two or more people or things. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cross paths with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe chance encounters. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides abundant examples from authoritative sources. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various types of communication. When aiming for formality, "have an encounter with" might be preferable, but in general conversation, "cross paths with" is perfectly appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meet unexpectedly

Focuses on the surprise element of the encounter.

encounter by chance

Highlights the coincidental nature of the meeting.

bump into

An informal way to describe a chance meeting.

run across

Similar to "bump into", but slightly more formal.

come across

Emphasizes the finding or discovering aspect of meeting someone.

have an encounter with

A more formal and general way to describe meeting someone.

intersect

Implies that paths or lives meet at a specific point.

connect with

Focuses on making a connection or establishing a relationship.

come into contact with

A more formal way of saying "meet" or "encounter".

be in touch with

Indicates a state of communication or connection.

FAQs

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

You can use "cross paths with" to describe a chance meeting, as in, "I didn't expect to "cross paths with" my old friend at the conference."

What is a more formal alternative to "cross paths with"?

A more formal alternative to "cross paths with" is "have an encounter with", which suggests a more deliberate or significant meeting.

Is it correct to use "cross paths with" when referring to animals?

Yes, "cross paths with" can be used to describe encounters with animals, as in, "While hiking, we "cross paths with" a deer."

What does it mean when someone says they "don't want to cross paths with" someone?

If someone says they "don't want to "cross paths with"" someone, it means they want to avoid meeting or encountering that person, often due to a conflict or negative history.