move across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move across" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the physical action of going from one place to another, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe a change or transition. Example 1: "The dancers gracefully moved across the stage, their movements synchronized and fluid." Example 2: "As the sun began to set, shadows slowly moved across the field." Example 3: "It was time for the company to move across to a new office building, signaling a new chapter for the business." Example 4: "I tried to hide my nerves as I moved across the room to meet my potential employer for the job interview."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They move across the bone….

The New Yorker

It begins to move across my palm.

Independent

Our thoughts move across the seas..."....

The Economist

should I move across the country?

The New York Times - Health

Mary Powell cannot move across the street.

The New York Times

They can keep it when they move across jobs or move across states.

The Economist

In the video, two cats move across the stage.

Independent

They move across the bone plates of our heads.

The New Yorker

Ripples move across the surface like radio waves.

The New York Times

In this context, what's a little old move across town?

The New York Times

From there, they move across the border into Mexico.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move across" when describing physical movement over a surface or boundary. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "move across" for purely abstract concepts where a more specific verb like "transition", "shift", or "evolve" would be more appropriate. Consider the nuance of the meaning you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move across" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of traversing a surface or boundary. It indicates displacement or transition, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples where objects, people, or even abstract concepts "move across" physical or metaphorical spaces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move across" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of traversing a surface, boundary, or transitioning between states. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration should be given to choosing more specific verbs for abstract concepts. Related phrases like "traverse", "cross over", and "transition" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Remember to use "move across" accurately to describe physical movement or transitions, avoiding overuse in overly abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross over

Indicates movement from one side to another, often implying a boundary.

travel through

Emphasizes the journey or process of moving through an area.

traverse

Implies moving or traveling through an area.

pass over

Suggests moving beyond or above something.

migrate

Suggests movement from one area to another, often referring to populations.

transfer

Suggests moving something or someone from one place to another.

shift

Suggests a slight change in position or state.

go beyond

Implies surpassing limitations or boundaries.

relocate

Implies a complete change of location, often permanent.

transition

Indicates a change from one state or condition to another.

FAQs

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

You can use "move across" to describe physical motion, like "The dancer "move across the stage"", or a transition, like "Ideas "move across different disciplines"".

What are some alternatives to "move across"?

Depending on the context, you could use "traverse", "cross over", or "transition" instead of "move across".

Is it appropriate to use "move across" in formal writing?

Yes, "move across" is suitable for formal writing when describing physical movement or transitions. However, ensure the word choice aligns with the overall tone and subject matter. Consider using "travel through" or "pass over" in more formal context.

How does "move across" differ from "go across"?

"Move across" often implies a deliberate or noticeable action, while "go across" can be more general and less emphatic. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. You can use "pass over" instead.