jump across

USAGE SUMMARY

"jump across" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something crossing an area, such as a river or field, quickly and without touching the ground. For example: "The athlete jumped across the river in a single leap".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is an attempt to jump across the chasm".

The New Yorker

"I wouldn't jump across the couch and take your life".

The Guardian - Music

Even our professional-rugby playing classmate hesitated before making a big jump across gap.

The Economist

"At first, I wanted to jump across the table and strangle him," Ms. Vertefeuille said.

The New York Times

I zigzag through the vines and jump across streams, and have had some exceptional close encounters.

The Guardian - Travel

It took five years for Python to make the big jump across the Atlantic.

The New Yorker

People in love would jump across the snapping flames, hand in hand.

The New Yorker

As one senior American counterterrorism official put it, "It doesn't take much to jump across the ocean".

The New York Times

"Academic disciplines are pretty strongly walled," Ms. Farrell said, "and it's very hard to jump across them, but it's happening.

The New York Times

Today's graduates will need to be flexible, to reinvent their résumés, to jump across disciplines in a single bound.

The New York Times

In "Cloud Atlas" characters jump across centuries, space and six separate stories into a larger tale about human interconnectedness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jump across" to vividly describe a quick and direct movement over a space or obstacle. It adds an element of dynamism to your writing, especially when describing physical actions or metaphorical leaps.

Common error

Don't use "jump across" when a more gradual or continuous movement is intended. For instance, saying "the idea jumped across my mind" might be better phrased as "the idea dawned on me" for a more natural feel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jump across" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of traversing a space or gap by jumping. This can describe a literal physical movement or a metaphorical transition, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jump across" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of moving swiftly from one point to another, often over a gap or obstacle. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It appears frequently in news, scientific publications, and general-interest articles. While "jump across" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles, it is essential to consider context and audience when selecting the most appropriate phrasing. When looking for alternatives to "jump across", consider options like ""leap over"" or ""spring across"", which provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leap over

Emphasizes the action of springing over an obstacle or gap.

spring across

Highlights the energetic nature of the jump, implying agility and lightness.

bound across

Conveys a sense of powerful, expansive movement.

vault over

Suggests a more controlled and athletic jump, often using a support.

make a flying leap

Emphasizes the speed and distance of the jump.

clear

Focuses on successfully passing over an obstacle without touching it.

skip over

Implies a light and playful movement across a distance.

traverse by jumping

A more descriptive alternative, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

hurdle

Specifically refers to jumping over a barrier or obstacle in a race or competition.

ascend by leaping

Describes moving upward while jumping, combining vertical and horizontal motion.

FAQs

How can I use "jump across" in a sentence?

You can use "jump across" to describe a physical action, such as "The cat jumped across the fence", or a metaphorical leap, like "The company jumped across the technological gap with its new innovation".

What are some alternatives to "jump across"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "leap over", "spring across", or "vault over".

Is it correct to use "jump across" in formal writing?

Yes, "jump across" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing a literal jump. However, consider alternatives like "bridge" or "overcome" for more sophisticated phrasing in metaphorical contexts.

What's the difference between "jump across" and ""leap over""?

While both phrases imply crossing a distance, "jump across" is more general. "Leap over" specifically suggests overcoming an obstacle while jumping.