if we cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if we cross" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are discussing a condition or situation that may occur if a certain action is taken, often related to crossing a boundary or threshold. Example: "If we cross the river, we will reach the other side before sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"If we cross paths.

The Guardian - Sport

Fishermen on shore glare if we cross within 100 yards of their lines.

The New York Times

If we cross one tipping point then we risk crossing them all.

The Guardian

"We'll have a plan if we cross that bridge," Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said.

The New York Times

"I think if we cross the debt limit, it would be worse for the financial sector than a sharknado".

The Guardian - Film

"I feel if we cross the bridge over the West Side Highway, I am entering another world," Dr. Nasta said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

If we crossed certain streets, over into Schiller Park for instance, we were beat up".

The Guardian

So what would it mean if we crossed the threshold to digital insecurity?

University of California, Berkeley

"I don't know if we crossed that line," Mr. Berardino said.

The New York Times

"But, yeah," Alistair says, "it would be an incredible story if we crossed the line together.

The Guardian - Sport

The majority had gone bush and crossed the Indi into New South Wales where horses and cattle are prohibited from Kosciusko National Park but, fortunately or otherwise, we were in desolate country and unlikely to be challenged if we crossed over.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if we cross" to introduce a conditional scenario where actions or decisions might lead to specific outcomes, especially when dealing with boundaries or thresholds. Make sure that the result is clear and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "if we cross" without clearly stating the result or consequence of crossing. Ambiguity can confuse readers and weaken your argument. Always clarify what follows the crossing point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we cross" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a scenario that depends on a certain action being taken. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage. It sets up a condition and its potential outcome, as exemplified in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if we cross" is a common and grammatically sound conditional clause used to introduce hypothetical scenarios across various contexts. Ludwig's analysis confirms its versatility, with frequent use in news, scientific discussions, and formal communications. When using "if we cross", ensure the conditional outcome is clear to avoid ambiguity. Similar phrases include "should we intersect" or "if our paths converge". The phrase is best used in neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should we intersect

Replaces "cross" with "intersect", implying a more geometric or planned meeting.

if our paths converge

Uses a more metaphorical and formal expression to suggest a meeting.

if we should meet

Emphasizes the possibility of a future meeting in a more general sense.

in the event we encounter

Offers a formal alternative that highlights a chance meeting.

if we happen to meet

Uses 'happen' to express that a meeting is coincidental or unplanned.

should we come across

Suggests encountering something or someone unexpectedly.

if we should chance upon

Adds an element of chance, making the meeting seem less deliberate.

when we reach

Focuses on arriving at a specific point or threshold, similar to crossing a boundary.

if we overstep

Implies violating a limit or boundary.

in case we transgress

Suggests a more serious crossing, such as violating a rule or moral.

FAQs

How can I use "if we cross" in a sentence?

Use "if we cross" to introduce a hypothetical scenario where a boundary is traversed, such as "If we cross that line, there will be consequences."

What phrases are similar to "if we cross"?

Similar phrases include "should we intersect", "if our paths converge", or "if we should meet", which all imply a conditional meeting or encounter.

Is it better to use "if we cross" or "if we crossed"?

"If we cross" implies a present or future possibility, while "if we crossed" suggests a hypothetical or past event. The choice depends on the intended tense and context.

What's the difference between "if we cross" and "when we cross"?

"If we cross" presents a conditional scenario, whereas "when we cross" assumes the action will happen. Use "if" for uncertainty and "when" for certainty.