rip across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rip across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that moves quickly and forcefully across a surface or area, often implying a sense of urgency or intensity. Example: "The storm clouds began to rip across the sky, signaling the approach of a fierce thunderstorm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Strips of deforested land rip across much of the territory.

The Guardian

Mark Rylance let Hamlet's madness rip across the stage.

The Guardian

Trees here lean to the east from the gusts that rip across the plateau.

The New York Times

Estimates places the number of casualties at 5,400 as the bloody civil war continues to rip across the country.

Independent

The battle sequences, too, are astonishing, as the soldiers scurry, the corpses pile high and vast plumes of cannon smoke rip across the field.

The Guardian - Film

La Paz, in the west, sits on the altiplano, a vast plateau whose altitude prevents many trees from growing there, leaving the wind free to rip across its expanse.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

There is the great tear along the Concordia's port hull, where it first ripped across the rocks under the sea.

BBC

Fires ripped across the country.

Independent

Shrapnel ripped across his arm and thigh.

The New York Times

In November 2009, hurricane Ida ripped across El Salvador, killing 199 people.

The Guardian

A torrent of office workers ripped across the street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rip across" to vividly describe forceful or rapid movements across a space, whether literal (like wind across a plateau) or figurative (like madness across a stage). This phrase works best when the action has a sense of intensity or disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "rip across" for actions that are gentle or slow. The phrase implies a forceful, often destructive, movement. Opt for alternatives like "drift across" or "flow across" when describing calmer motions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rip across" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "rip" with the preposition "across". It describes a dynamic action involving forceful movement over a surface or area. Ludwig AI validates its use in describing various contexts from physical phenomena to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rip across" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe forceful and rapid movement over a surface. It is grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests it’s best used to depict intense or disruptive actions. While "rip across" is generally neutral, it should be avoided when describing gentle movements, and alternative phrasings such as "tear across" or "sweep across" may be appropriate depending on the specific context. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative news sources underscores its acceptance and utility in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tear across

Shares a similar meaning, emphasizing forceful tearing or movement.

slash across

Implies a more violent or cutting motion compared to "rip across".

streak across

Suggests rapid movement, often leaving a visible trail.

charge across

Emphasizes a forceful and rapid advance.

sweep across

Implies a broad, encompassing movement.

race across

Focuses on speed and competition in the movement.

blast across

Suggests a powerful and sudden movement, often associated with explosions.

cut across

Implies a direct and efficient path of movement.

surge across

Emphasizes a powerful and sudden rush of movement.

scythe across

Describes a wide, sweeping motion, similar to cutting with a scythe.

FAQs

What does "rip across" mean?

"Rip across" means to move quickly and forcefully over a surface or area, often suggesting tearing or disruption.

What are some synonyms for "rip across"?

Synonyms for "rip across" include "tear across", "slash across", and "sweep across", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "rip across" to describe the movement of something forceful and quick, such as "The wind began to "rip across" the open fields."

Is "rip across" formal or informal?

"Rip across" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, including news and media, without sounding overly formal or informal.