our paths crossed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our paths crossed" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to indicate an unexpected and fortuitous meeting between two people. For example, you could say "We hadn't seen each other in years, but our paths crossed while shopping at the mall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our paths crossed.

The New York Times

Our paths crossed years before we ever met.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over the years our paths crossed a number of times.

The Guardian

Once in the Royal Ballet, our paths crossed frequently.

The Guardian

As our paths crossed moments later, he simply smiled and said: "Mission accomplished".

The Guardian - Film

At other times, when our paths crossed, her smile and warmth were immediate.

The Guardian

I didn't know Beryl Bainbridge well, but our paths crossed from time to time.

The New York Times - Books

When Drury came to the Rangers in 2007, our paths crossed again.

The New York Times

Months later, the mother, a neighbor and friend, hesitantly mentioned it when our paths crossed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Our paths cross frequently.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, our paths cross all the time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our paths crossed" to describe chance encounters or meetings that led to some form of relationship or impact. It's particularly effective when discussing past events or reflecting on the significance of those meetings.

Common error

Avoid using "our paths crossed" for trivial, everyday encounters. This phrase implies a certain level of importance or consequence resulting from the meeting; reserve it for situations where the encounter had a meaningful effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our paths crossed" functions as an idiomatic expression denoting an encounter or meeting between individuals. As Ludwig AI explains, this encounter is often unexpected or significant. Its use is supported by numerous examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "our paths crossed" is a common and acceptable expression used to describe a meeting or encounter, often implying chance or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts. While versatile, it’s best reserved for situations where the encounter had a notable impact. Alternative phrases like "we encountered one another" or "we bumped into each other" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We crossed each other's paths

A slightly more formal and emphatic restatement of the original phrase.

We happened to meet

Indicates that the meeting was not planned or expected.

We encountered one another

A more formal and general way of saying that you met someone.

We came across each other

Similar to 'bumped into', but slightly less casual.

We bumped into each other

Suggests a chance, often unexpected, meeting.

I ran into him

Suggests the unexpected meeting of two people.

Our lives intertwined

Emphasizes a deeper connection or mutual influence resulting from the encounter.

Our roads met

A metaphorical expression suggesting a shared journey or direction.

Our destinies converged

Implies a fated or significant meeting.

Fate brought us together

Highlights the role of destiny in the meeting.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "our paths crossed"?

When someone says "our paths crossed", it means they encountered another person, often unexpectedly, leading to some form of relationship or interaction. It suggests that the meeting was significant in some way.

Is "our paths crossed" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "our paths crossed" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The specific context of use determines the overall formality.

Can I use "our paths crossed" to describe an online meeting?

Yes, you can use "our paths crossed" to describe an online meeting, especially if that meeting led to a significant connection or development. The phrase emphasizes the chance encounter, regardless of the medium.

What are some alternatives to "our paths crossed"?

You can use alternatives like "we encountered one another", "we bumped into each other", or "our lives intertwined" depending on the context.