crossed tracks with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossed tracks with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an encounter or interaction with someone, often implying a conflict or disagreement. Example: "During the debate, I crossed tracks with my opponent on several key issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The French state railway company SNCF has called for police action against cyclists in the Paris-Roubaix spring classic who crossed tracks with a safety barrier down, seconds before a high-speed train arrived.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is where tractors cross tracks with carts of royal tombstones, at the intersection of past and present, Africa and Europe, memory and experience -- informed by the Portuguese culture of saudade, the notion of nostalgia or regret raised to the 10th power.

The New York Times - Books

In this paper an analytical procedure for kinematic analysis of ball joints with straight crossed tracks is proposed.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Consistent with the total number of crossed tracks during transgressions, Wynnum Central was moderately associated with crossing one unoccupied track, whereas Cannon Hill was at the same time moderately associated with the crossing of one and strongly associated with the crossing of two unoccupied tracks.

Urban Rail Transit

Cross tracks with care.

WikiHow

Mr. McKool started clearing trails in 1995, installing a moto-cross track with dirt ramps that launch bikes high in the air and stretches of washboard whoop-de-do's just like the ones that challenge professional racers.

The New York Times - Travel

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Vice

At this point my hoodie would come up and my head down until I exited Slauson and crossed the railroad tracks, with a taser slid into one combat boot and a switchblade in the other, knowing without them, my 100 pound self was physically helpless to any trouble I might encounter.

Vice

In contrast to the long straight runs of control RNAi) worms, Smed-dynA-1 RNAi) planarianSmed-dynA-1 RNAincreased Smed-dynA-1 RNAiossed their own tracks with greater frequency, and often never reached the boundary of the dish (Fig. 5A).

Biology Open

The satellite will provide high tasking agility for along-track or cross-track imaging with 45° field of regard.

Acta Astronautica

"They told us the barriers were open when the bus crossed the tracks and the train collided with it," said Mohamed Samir, a doctor at the Assiut hospital where the injured were taken, citing witness accounts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "crossed tracks with", ensure the context clearly indicates an intersection, conflict, or interaction related to physical or metaphorical paths or routes. The phrase is particularly effective in describing situations where different trajectories meet, sometimes leading to unexpected outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "crossed tracks with" when a simple meeting or interaction is intended without the implication of differing paths or potential conflict. Simpler terms like "met with" or "encountered" may be more appropriate in neutral contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crossed tracks with" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of encountering or intersecting, often with an implication of conflict or divergence. As Ludwig indicates, it's a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crossed tracks with" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe an encounter or intersection, often implying conflict or differing paths. While Ludwig confirms its validity, it's essential to consider the context and intended nuance, as simpler or more precise alternatives might be suitable in certain situations. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase is more likely to be used in News & Media and Science and Wiki contexts. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intersected with

Focuses on a physical or abstract meeting point, rather than potential conflict.

collided with

Emphasizes a forceful impact or disagreement.

came into contact with

Highlights the act of making contact, possibly physical or abstract.

interacted with

Focuses on engagement or communication, rather than conflict.

encountered

A more general term for meeting or coming across something or someone.

converged with

Implies movement towards a common point or goal.

overlapped with

Highlights the sharing of a common area or element.

aligned with

Indicates agreement or cooperation.

met with

A simple term for encountering someone, without implying conflict.

had dealings with

Specifically refers to business or formal interactions.

FAQs

How can I use "crossed tracks with" in a sentence?

You can use "crossed tracks with" to describe a situation where individuals or entities on different paths encounter each other, often implying a conflict or intersection of interests. For example, "During the negotiations, the union representative "crossed tracks with" the CEO on the issue of wage increases".

What can I say instead of "crossed tracks with"?

You can use alternatives like "intersected with", "collided with", or "came into contact with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to say someone "crossed tracks with" someone else?

To say that someone ""crossed tracks with"" another person means they encountered each other, often implying a disagreement or a clash of ideas or interests. It suggests their paths were diverging and a point of conflict arose.

Is "crossed tracks with" formal or informal?

"Crossed tracks with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise alternatives may be preferred in highly formal or technical writing.