pass over the bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

"pass over the bridge" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to crossing, or moving over a bridge or a body of water such as a river or lake. Example sentence: We decided to pass over the bridge to avoid heavy traffic on the highway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In a letter to Lawrence G. Reuter, president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Mr. Golden noted that many pedestrians who pass over the bridge use the entrance to cross beneath Centre Street, protecting themselves from the weather and at the same time easing congestion on nearby sidewalks.

The New York Times

Roller-mounted "saddles" at the top of each tower allow movement of the chains when loads pass over the bridge.

Wikipedia

Roller-mounted "saddles" at the top of each tower allow movement of the three independent wrought iron chains on each side when loads pass over the bridge.

Wikipedia

The cables and guy-wires could support 7300 ST, and travel journalist Alfred J. Pairpoint commented that it was normal to see 1200 ST trains pass over the bridge without danger.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

At this time, a train passed over the bridge, and we profited from the steam and noise to get to the barbed wire.

The New Yorker

The Amu Darya, a wide and murky river, forms the border between the nations, and so far the Uzbek government has refused to let aid pass over the only bridge.

The New York Times

The sounds were described by the Bureau who were based at Observatory Hill, next to the southwest pylon of the Bridge, in 1947 as a "terrific noise" akin to "several trains ... passing over [the Bridge]".

Wikipedia

As he passed over the bridge, his lips weren't moving.

The New Yorker

About 40percentt of Canada's trade with the United States passes over the bridge and through the tunnel that link Windsor and Detroit.

The New York Times

Years ago, menus offered cherrystone clams, Welsh rabbit, omelets with loganberry jam, broiled mallard duck and imported ginger ale -- but that was aboard the Lackawanna dining cars passing over the bridge.

The New York Times - Travel

The moving vehicle passed over the bridge twice at approximately 10 and 70 s (Figure 8).

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pass over the bridge" when you want to emphasize the act of crossing a physical structure, especially when describing movement or transportation across it.

Common error

Avoid using "pass over the bridge" in simple, everyday contexts where a more direct phrase like "cross the bridge" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass over the bridge" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing the action of moving across a bridge. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing literal movement across a physical structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

28%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pass over the bridge" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe the action of moving across a bridge. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate in various contexts. While "cross the bridge" is often a more concise and common alternative, "pass over the bridge" can be useful when you want to emphasize the act of crossing a physical structure. Although it appears most frequently in news, wiki, and science contexts, it is best to avoid overuse in simple situations where a more direct phrase would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross the bridge

This is a more concise and common way to express the action of going across a bridge.

go across the bridge

This alternative is a simple and direct way of describing the movement across the bridge.

travel over the bridge

This suggests a journey or movement over the bridge, implying a sense of distance or purpose.

traverse the bridge

This alternative is more formal and implies a careful or deliberate crossing of the bridge.

make one's way across the bridge

This suggests effort or intention in crossing the bridge, suitable for narrative contexts.

drive over the bridge

This specifies the mode of transportation, indicating that someone is driving across the bridge.

walk over the bridge

This specifies the mode of transportation, indicating someone is walking across the bridge.

proceed across the bridge

This alternative is more formal, implying a sense of order or direction.

move across the bridge

This is a general way of saying you are going across the bridge.

go via the bridge

This focuses on using the bridge as a route or means to get somewhere.

FAQs

What is the difference between "pass over the bridge" and "cross the bridge"?

"Pass over the bridge" and "cross the bridge" are largely interchangeable, but "cross the bridge" is generally more concise and commonly used. "Pass over the bridge" can sometimes imply a more deliberate or formal action.

Can I use "pass over the bridge" metaphorically?

While primarily used to describe physical movement, "pass over the bridge" is less frequently used metaphorically compared to "cross the bridge", which can represent overcoming challenges or moving from one stage to another.

What are some alternatives to "pass over the bridge" for formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use "traverse the bridge" or "proceed across the bridge" to convey a more sophisticated tone, depending on the context.

Is "pass over the bridge" grammatically correct?

Yes, "pass over the bridge" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is readily understood, as Ludwig AI confirms.