crosswise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "crosswise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is running or moving from one side of something to the other side, in a diagonal or intersecting direction. For example: "The man ran crosswise through the hallway, leaving me standing alone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Most satin fabrics are made of smooth, lightly twisted yarns that heighten the effect of light unbroken by visible crosswise bindings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To produce it, the warp yarns are held parallel under tension while a crosswise weft yarn is shot over and under alternate warps across the width of the web.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The weaver ties his rows of knots forming the pattern, and when an entire row of pile is knotted, the two, three, or four weft, or crosswise, threads are forced down by a comb or knife, causing the pile to stand out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In yarns used for weaving, the warp, or lengthwise, yarns are usually made stronger, more tightly twisted, smoother, and more even than the filling, or crosswise, yarns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The increase of wind speed with height (called vertical speed shear) produces "crosswise spin," that is, rotation about a horizontal axis crosswise to the direction of wind flow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In asexual reproduction, new individuals arise from bits of tissue that are budded off from a parent, or by a parent dividing lengthwise or crosswise into two smaller individuals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some species such as the Atlantic puffin, rhinoceros auklet, and fairy tern are able to carry several fish crosswise in the bill while capturing still more.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ventral (belly) surface of snakes is covered by scales elongated crosswise that overlap like roof shingles, with the opening of the overlap facing toward the posterior.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In weaving, the warp, or lengthwise, yarns are subjected to greater stress and are usually stronger, smoother, and more even and have tighter twist than the weft, or crosswise, yarns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In herons, for example, the parent's bill is seized crosswise by the young bird, and the food is passed sideways to its mouth from between the adult's mandibles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These stools were supported on four straight legs or on four legs arranged crosswise the "X" stool.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the orientation of elements in technical writing, use "crosswise" to clearly indicate a perpendicular or angled relationship between them. For instance, when describing woven materials, specify that the weft threads run "crosswise" to the warp threads to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "crossways" interchangeably with "crosswise" in formal contexts. While both terms generally mean 'in a crosswise direction', "crosswise" is often preferred in technical or descriptive writing for its precision.

Linguistic Context

The word "crosswise" primarily functions as an adverb describing the direction or orientation of something. It can also serve as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a crossing direction. Ludwig AI confirms that "crosswise" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

55%

News & Media

29%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crosswise" is a versatile term functioning as both an adverb and an adjective, primarily used to describe direction or orientation in a crossing manner. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness in written English. While generally neutral in register, leaning toward formal, it finds frequent application in technical descriptions, encyclopedic entries, and news media. Its usage clarifies spatial relationships, as showcased in examples from weaving techniques to scientific observations. For alternative expressions, consider "transversely" or "sideways", but be mindful of the specific nuances each conveys.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transversely

Emphasizes the action occurring across something, similar to crosswise but more formal.

sideways

A more common and informal way to say crosswise.

across

A simple way to indicate something that passes from one side to another.

at right angles

Specifies a 90-degree angle, which is a specific type of crosswise direction.

perpendicularly

Implies a strict 90-degree intersection, a more technical synonym for crosswise.

diagonally

Describes a direction that is at an angle, similar to crosswise, but not necessarily at a right angle.

intersecting

Focuses on the act of crossing or meeting at a point, similar to the result of a crosswise action.

obliquely

Indicates a slanting or inclined direction, sharing the angled aspect of crosswise.

horizontally

Describes a side-to-side orientation, which can be a specific instance of crosswise relative to a vertical axis.

laterally

Refers to movement or positioning to the side, sharing a sense of directionality with crosswise.

FAQs

How can I use "crosswise" in a sentence?

You can use "crosswise" to describe something that extends or moves from one side to another. For example, "The stripes ran "crosswise" across the fabric."

What's the difference between "crosswise" and "crossways"?

Both "crosswise" and "crossways" mean in a crossing direction, but "crosswise" is generally preferred in more formal or technical writing. "Crossways" is more common in informal contexts.

What can I say instead of "crosswise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "transversely", "sideways", or "perpendicularly".

Is "crosswise" an adjective or an adverb?

"Crosswise" can function as both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective, it describes something that crosses; as an adverb, it describes an action performed in a crossing manner.