seated across from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seated across from" is correct English and it is often used in both spoken and written English.
For example: I walked into the room and saw my friend seated across from me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The man or woman we love most may be seated across from us in a romantic Paris bistro, but his or her 8GB, 16GB or 32GB rival lies in wait inside our pockets and purses.

The New York Times

Francis and Sofia are seated across from me talking intently.

Independent

On the bus, Orrin is seated across from Opal, and Justin is next to the chaperon.

The New Yorker

She had been seated across from him, and was shot in the chest.

The New Yorker

Seated across from me in the other aisle seat was a woman who was traveling alone.

The New York Times

His wife, Elizabeth, seated across from him, chimed in, "Campaign finance reform".

The New York Times

He was, after all, already seated across from the bulk of the campaign press corps.

The New Yorker

Seated across from her, I was privy to the conversation and this is what transpired.

The New York Times

But nowadays there she is, seated across from the spiritualist Eckhart Tolle as she confesses her ego-driven shame.

The New York Times

Runco, seated across from Cianci, said, "I'm going to sit right here, because I'm partially deaf and I read lips.

The New Yorker

Gandorf?" A pair of young aides seated across from Kasich called out helpfully over the drone of the engine.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seated across from" to clearly indicate someone's position in relation to another person, especially at a table, desk, or in a vehicle. It provides a vivid sense of spatial arrangement.

Common error

Avoid using "beside", "next to", or "behind" when you specifically mean someone is facing you from the opposite side. "Seated across from" clarifies a face-to-face position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seated across from" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the position of someone in relation to another person or object. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is correct and commonly used. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seated across from" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the spatial relationship between individuals, indicating that one person is seated and facing another. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in neutral contexts like News & Media, this expression serves to provide clear imagery of physical arrangements, setting the scene for interactions or observations. While alternatives like "opposite someone" or "facing someone" exist, "seated across from" offers a specific and descriptive depiction of a face-to-face scenario. Its frequency and consistent application in authoritative sources underscore its reliability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

positioned across from

This alternative puts the emphasis on the positioning.

across the table from

This alternative specifies the setting as a table, adding context.

opposite someone

This alternative is shorter and more direct, focusing on the opposing position.

located opposite to

Similar to 'opposite someone' but includes the concept of being 'located'.

directly facing

This alternative intensifies the act of facing each other directly.

facing someone

This alternative emphasizes the direction someone is looking.

in front of someone

This focuses on the position of one person being directly in the view of the other.

on the other side of

This alternative emphasizes the separation between the people.

vis-à-vis

A more formal term indicating a face-to-face position.

in opposition to

More formal and emphasizes a confrontational or contrasting stance, not just physical placement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "seated across from" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives like "positioned opposite to" or "vis-à-vis", which are more formal and can be suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "seated across from" and "sitting across from"?

"Seated across from" implies a more formal or static arrangement, suggesting someone is placed or has taken a seat in that position. "Sitting across from" /s/sitting+across+from is more general and can describe someone currently in the act of sitting.

Is it always necessary to include 'seated' when describing someone across from you?

No, it's not always necessary. You can simply say "across from" if the context already implies that the person is seated, or if the specific posture isn't important. However, "seated across from" provides a clearer and more descriptive image.

Can "seated across from" be used in non-literal contexts?

While primarily used to describe physical positioning, "seated across from" is rarely employed metaphorically. It's best to stick to its literal meaning for clarity. Use alternatives that focus on the relationship, such as "in opposition to".