did not cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not cross" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone did not pass over a certain point or boundary, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "Despite the warnings, the hikers did not cross the river due to the strong current."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Our paths did not cross.

The New York Times

Their paths did not cross.

The Guardian

"He did not cross the Russian border".

The Guardian

The antibody did not cross react with other tissues.

Toxicology

the ball did not cross the goal line.

The New York Times - Sports

Our paths did not cross during my time filming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

The assay did not cross-react with other respiratory pathogens.

Journal of Virological Methods

Antibodies generated to [R91, A96]MBP83 99 did not cross-react with whole MBP protein.

Journal of Neuroimmunology

Mr. Pellicano, who is representing himself, did not cross-examine Mr. Grey.

The New York Times

Mr. Williams's lawyer, Arnold J. Levine, did not cross-examine the woman.

The New York Times

Mr. Del Col did not cross-examine Mr. Horvath, despite his seemingly damaging testimony.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not cross" to clearly state that something or someone remained within a defined limit or boundary, whether physical or metaphorical. This phrasing is particularly effective when emphasizing the absence of transgression or intersection.

Common error

Avoid using "did not cross" when a more precise term is needed. While versatile, this phrase can be vague. Ensure the context clearly defines what boundary or limit was not crossed to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not cross" primarily functions as a negative verb phrase, indicating the absence of an action. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse contexts, from physical boundaries to abstract concepts. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not cross" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating that something or someone remained within defined limits or boundaries. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the numerous examples showcase its applicability across diverse fields, from News & Media to Science. While versatile, ensure clarity by specifying the uncrossed boundary. Related phrases such as "didn't traverse" or "didn't intersect" offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to consider the context and audience to maintain appropriate register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

never crossed

Highlights that crossing never occurred.

didn't traverse

Uses 'traverse' instead of 'cross', implying a journey or movement, but ultimately not passing a certain point.

didn't intersect

Focuses on the lack of intersection or meeting, suitable for describing paths or lines.

did not pass

A more general alternative, indicating a lack of movement beyond a certain point.

didn't overstep

Implies not exceeding a boundary or limit, often used in a metaphorical sense.

didn't exceed

Highlights not surpassing a specific quantity or limit.

failed to cross

Emphasizes the failure to pass over a barrier or reach a destination.

didn't make it across

Focuses on the inability to successfully complete a crossing.

remained within

Highlights containment inside borders and limit.

stayed clear of

Emphasis on avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "did not cross" in a sentence?

You can use "did not cross" to indicate that something or someone didn't pass over a boundary or limit. For example, "The protesters "did not cross" the police line" or "The idea "did not cross" my mind".

What's a more formal alternative to "did not cross"?

Formal alternatives include "did not exceed" or "did not traverse", which are suitable for academic or professional contexts where precise language is preferred.

Is it better to say "did not cross" or "didn't cross"?

"Did not cross" and "didn't cross" are both grammatically correct. "Didn't cross" is a contraction and is more informal. The choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between ""did not cross"" and "did not intersect"?

"Did not cross" implies not passing over a specific boundary, while "did not intersect" suggests that two or more things didn't meet or share a common point. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing a boundary or a meeting point.