crossing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crossing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as describing the act of moving from one side to another, often in relation to streets, paths, or boundaries. Example: "The children waited patiently at the crossing before the light turned green."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The cyclone has approached from the east after crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria from Queensland's Cape York Peninsula where it made landfall as a category four storm but caused minimal damage.

The Guardian

Greece is on the frontline of the effort to contain and cope with the wave of immigrants crossing the Mediterranean from the Middle East and north Africa.

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

LINGUA.LY iOS/Android - FREE Recently crossing from Android to iOS, Lingua.ly aims to help you learn languages by reading articles and tapping on words you don't know to get their translation.

The Guardian - Tech

Pope Francis has decried the "inhuman" conditions facing migrants crossing the US-Mexico border and has encouraged communities there not to judge people by stereotypes but welcome migrants and work to end discrimination.

The Guardian

A spike in the numbers of immigrants attempting the dangerous sea crossing from Libya has sparked alarm in Europe, particularly after about 800 people drowned in a Mediterranean shipwreck last month.

The Guardian

At least 18 people, mostly students aged 12 to 13, were aboard the boat crossing the Niger river on Monday.

The Guardian

"I didn't really feel tired after crossing the line, which was partly down to the training but mainly to God.

The Guardian

The company attracted criticism for a poster that suggested betting on the chances of two elderly women crossing a road before being run over by an approaching lorry.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And yet Clegg has been criss-crossing the country in a state of zen-like calm.

The Guardian - Opinion

That crushing defeat was largely attributed to Clinton's failure to connect with Iowans, who complained she seemed distant and aloof, criss-crossing the country in a chartered helicopter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing routes or pathways, use "crossing" to indicate a point where one path intersects with another. For example, "The trail requires crossing a stream."

Common error

Avoid using "crossing" when "cross" would be more appropriate as a verb. "Crossing the street" is correct, but "Please cross the street" is preferable to "Please crossing the street."

Linguistic Context

The term "crossing" primarily functions as a verb in its present participle form or as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that it's usable in written English. Examples show its use to describe the act of moving from one side to another or denoting a place of intersection.

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 "crossing" is a versatile term primarily used as a present participle verb or a noun, denoting movement or a point of intersection. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English, supported by numerous examples from news and media sources. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts. While "crossing" is frequently used, it's crucial to avoid misusing it when the base verb "cross" is more appropriate. Consider related terms like "passing over" or "traversing" for semantic variety. In summary, "crossing" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Passing over

Focuses on the act of moving from one side to another, emphasizing the action of traversing an area.

Traversing

Highlights the act of traveling across or through something, often implying a more extensive journey.

Intersecting

Emphasizes the point where two or more things meet or cross each other.

Spanning

Suggests the act of extending or reaching across something, often used in the context of bridges or distances.

Navigating

Focuses on the act of finding a way through or around obstacles, implying a more complex journey.

Going across

A more straightforward alternative that emphasizes the action of moving from one side to another.

Moving over

Highlights the shift or relocation from one point to another.

Transiting

Implies a more formal or official passage, often used in the context of travel or transportation.

Cutting through

Emphasizes the action of creating a path or passage through something, often implying speed or efficiency.

Making a crossing

Focuses on the accomplishment of traversing a barrier or distance.

FAQs

How can I use "crossing" in a sentence?

"Crossing" can function as a verb (e.g., "The train is "crossing" the bridge") or a noun (e.g., "The pedestrian "crossing" is safe").

What are some alternatives to "crossing" when referring to roads?

Instead of "crossing", you could use alternatives like "intersection", "crosswalk", or "pedestrian crossing".

Is there a difference between "crossing" and "cross"?

"Cross" is the base verb, while "crossing" is a gerund or present participle. Use "cross" in imperative sentences (e.g., "Cross the street") and "crossing" to describe an ongoing action (e.g., "He is "crossing" the street").

Can "crossing" refer to something other than physical movement?

Yes, "crossing" can also refer to abstract boundaries or transitions. For example, "Crossing the line" means exceeding acceptable limits. Consider using "exceeding" in these cases.