paths cross

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paths cross" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two people whose lives intersect in some way, such as destiny, fate, or chance. For example: "People said our paths crossed for a reason, so I was determined to make the most of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Film

Sports

Literature

General Conversations

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Our paths cross frequently.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, our paths cross all the time.

The New York Times

But our paths cross uneasily if at all.

The New York Times - Arts

Just wait until the next time our paths cross.

The New York Times

Again, Harrison follows unrelated characters whose paths cross and converge.

The Guardian - Books

The two narrative paths cross only once — at the wedding.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Paths crossed.

The New York Times - Sports

Our paths crossed.

The New York Times

Their paths crossed briefly.

The Guardian - Sport

Their paths crossed in Arizona in 1944.

The New York Times

As paths crossed, ideas entangled.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "paths cross" when describing chance encounters or intersections in life, emphasizing the unexpected or fateful nature of the meeting. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "paths cross" to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts intersecting. It is more appropriate when referring to people or beings whose lives intersect in some manner.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paths cross" functions as a metaphorical expression, indicating an encounter or intersection between individuals or entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes when lives intersect, whether by chance, destiny, or intent. The examples from Ludwig showcase this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "paths cross" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies an encounter or intersection between individuals or entities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts. The phrase's frequency, as indicated by Ludwig, is very common, particularly in news and media. The expression carries a neutral tone and can be used to suggest chance encounters or moments of destiny. When writing, use "paths cross" to emphasize the intersection of lives, but avoid misusing it in non-personal contexts. For alternative expressions, consider options like "lives intersect" or "destinies converge" to add nuance. Keep in mind the variety of sources in Ludwig's examples which highlight its versatile and common use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lives intersect

Focuses on the point where lives meet, suggesting a potential connection or shared experience.

destinies converge

Emphasizes fate or a predetermined alignment of lives, implying a significant and meaningful encounter.

fortunes align

Highlights a situation where individuals' circumstances coincide, suggesting a positive or beneficial outcome.

meet by chance

Underscores the element of serendipity or unexpected encounters.

serendipitous encounter

Describes a fortunate or pleasant surprise meeting.

lines converge

Implies a coming together from different directions or origins.

fates intertwine

Suggests a deep and complex connection between individuals' lives.

worlds collide

Suggests a significant and potentially disruptive encounter between different spheres of life.

cross trails

Emphasizes a brief and possibly unintentional meeting.

come across each other

Simple and straightforward way of expressing a meeting or encounter.

FAQs

How can I use "paths cross" in a sentence?

You can use "paths cross" to describe when two people meet or their lives intersect, often unexpectedly. For example: "Our "paths cross" frequently at the local coffee shop."

What does it mean when people say "our paths crossed"?

When people say "our paths crossed", it means they met or encountered each other, often implying a sense of destiny or chance. It suggests that the meeting was significant in some way.

What can I say instead of "paths cross"?

You can use alternatives like "lives intersect", "destinies converge", or "meet by chance" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "paths cross" formal or informal?

"Paths cross" is neither strictly formal nor informal; it can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to more serious discussions about fate or destiny. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and situation.