crossed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "crossed" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used word in written English.
You can use this word as a verb meaning to go or pass over. For example: "We crossed the border late at night".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fingers crossed.

The New York Times

"The Rubicon has been crossed.

The Economist

Yet even when the security forces did actually recruit or send agents of the state into real terrorist organisations in the north of Ireland they too all too often crossed the line and broke the law.

The Guardian

Inside the truck, the guards shouted, "Sit down!" Cross your legs!" I didn't understand the last part but they crossed my legs anyway.

The Guardian

The bills will go to the lower house first thing to be passed so that the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed, ready for when the new senators take up their benches next week.

The Guardian

Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, were hit by a train in 2005 as they crossed the tracks at Elsenham station footpath crossing in Essex.

The Guardian - Business

"One of the thresholds we just crossed in the last quarter is that the outdoor advertising industry is now bringing in more advertising dollars than newspapers".

The Guardian

To find out what it's really about requires the tenacity of Jeremy Paxman crossed with a petulant toddler.

The Guardian

But as soon as she crossed the white line she was unbelievable".

The Guardian - Sport

Asked if she believes the rumours that the girls may have crossed the border into Cameroon and been forced to marry their abductors, she shakes her head vehemently.

The Guardian

So you'll understand that I was feeling pretty pleased with myself when I plunged down the other side and crossed the busy A628 to take the quieter B6015 to Glossop.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crossed" to describe a physical movement, ensure the context clearly indicates the starting point and destination to avoid ambiguity. For example, "They crossed the street" is clearer than "They crossed."

Common error

Avoid using "crossed" metaphorically when a more precise term exists. Instead of saying "The idea crossed my mind briefly", consider alternatives like "The idea occurred to me briefly" for enhanced clarity.

Linguistic Context

The word "crossed" primarily functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'cross'. It indicates the action of moving or extending from one side to another, or intersecting. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its diverse usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "crossed" is a versatile verb form indicating past actions of traversing or intersecting. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its specific usage is crucial for clarity. Remember to consider suitable alternatives like "passed over" or "went across" depending on the intended meaning. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively leverage "crossed" to convey precise and compelling narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went across

Similar to "crossed", but with a stronger sense of active movement and direction.

passed over

Indicates a movement from one side to the other, emphasizing the action of going beyond a boundary.

bridged

Highlights the action of connecting or linking two separate things, often overcoming a divide.

traversed

Suggests a more extensive or challenging journey across a particular area.

span

Refers to extending or reaching across something, especially a distance or gap.

intersected

Highlights the point where two things meet or cross each other, focusing on the intersection itself.

navigated

Implies skillfully guiding oneself through a complex or challenging environment, involving strategic crossing.

went beyond

Implies exceeding a limit or boundary, focusing on surpassing a defined point.

surmounted

Emphasizes overcoming an obstacle or challenge, achieving a successful crossing despite difficulties.

transgressed

Suggests a violation of a law, rule, or moral boundary, emphasizing the act of overstepping a line.

FAQs

How can I use "crossed" in a sentence?

You can use "crossed" to indicate movement over a boundary, intersection, or a figurative boundary. For example, "She "crossed the street"" or "A thought "crossed his mind"".

What's the difference between "crossed" and "passed over"?

"Crossed" generally implies moving from one side to another, while "passed over" can suggest ignoring or skipping something. The phrase "passed over" can also imply that a person or a thing was not selected or given attention.

What can I say instead of "crossed the line"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "overstepped the boundary", "violated the rule", or "went too far" to express that a limit has been exceeded.

Is it correct to say "our paths had crossed"?

Yes, "our paths had crossed" is a correct and common idiom used to describe a past encounter or meeting. It suggests that two people's lives have intersected at some point. You can use "our paths had intersected" as a close alternative.