cross the border

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cross the border" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to passing through a physical border, such as when traveling from one country to another. For example: "We decided to cross the border to explore the culture and cuisine of our neighboring country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No Russian troops will cross the border".

The Economist

We cannot wait to cross the border.

The Guardian - Books

They cross the border and -- presto!

The New York Times

He is now in Metema waiting to cross the border.

The Guardian

Soon you'll cross the border and be with me.

The New York Times - Books

Once the drivers cross the border, stopping them becomes tricky.

The New York Times

Just cross the border to the town of Matamoros, Mexico.

The New York Times - Travel

You cross the border at night and on foot.

The Guardian

"Americans are afraid to cross the border," Mr. Gomez said.

The New York Times - Travel

He was allowed to cross the border in 1966.

The Guardian

If they cross the border we would kill them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about migration or international travel, use "cross the border" to specifically refer to the act of passing from one country to another.

Common error

Avoid using "cross the border" interchangeably with terms like "immigrate" or "emigrate". "Cross the border" refers to the physical act of traversing a boundary, while "immigrate" and "emigrate" refer to relocating to a new country and leaving one's country of origin respectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cross the border" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of passing over a boundary between two countries or regions. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cross the border" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of traversing a boundary, most often between countries. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently found in news and media, academia, and other contexts, serving to discuss migration, trade, and geopolitical relationships. While seemingly straightforward, it's important to distinguish "cross the border" from related terms such as "immigrate" or "emigrate", which denote relocation rather than simply the act of passing over a boundary. Alternatives include "enter the country" and "leave the country", though they shift the focus to the destination or origin, respectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enter the country

Focuses on the destination rather than the action of crossing.

leave the country

Focuses on the point of origin, the inverse action of "cross the border".

go abroad

Indicates travel to a foreign country in general, lacking the specific action of crossing.

immigrate

Implies a permanent relocation across a border, a specific type of crossing.

emigrate

Focuses on leaving one's country of origin, similar to "leave the country".

pass through customs

Highlights the bureaucratic process involved in crossing.

breach the frontier

Suggests a forceful or unauthorized crossing.

illegally immigrate

Emphasizes the illegality of crossing.

go over the boundary

A more general term for crossing any boundary, not necessarily a national border.

migrate internationally

A formal way to describe crossing borders for relocation purposes.

FAQs

How can I use "cross the border" in a sentence?

You can use "cross the border" to describe the act of moving from one country or region to another. For example, "Many refugees "cross the border" in search of safety".

What are some alternatives to "cross the border"?

Some alternatives to "cross the border" include "enter the country", "leave the country", or "go abroad", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "illegally cross the border"?

Yes, "illegally "cross the border"" is correct and used to describe entering a country without the necessary legal documentation or authorization.

What's the difference between "cross the border" and "smuggle across the border"?

"Cross the border" simply refers to the act of traversing a boundary. "Smuggle across the border" implies illegally transporting goods or people.