straddle

USAGE SUMMARY

'straddle' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used as a verb and has two general meanings. One is to sit or stand with a leg on either side of something, and the other is to occupy a position that covers or straddles two different areas. For example: "She straddled the chair, leaning forward to touch her toes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under the proposals, a constituency of Bideford and Bude would straddle the county line.

The Guardian

A few films (think The Full Monty, or Trainspotting) managed to straddle these camps, but by and large the boundaries were rigidly defined.

The Guardian - Film

As Alex and Miles reach out to shake hands from across a musical and aesthetic chasm, it's a neat sketch of the two worlds Slaves straddle: the oddball punk band mingling with the indie A-list.

The Guardian - Music

And new small business minister Bruce Bilson seems to straddle two departments, with small business policy the responsibility of the Treasury but the delivery of government programmes to small business remaining with the Industry Department.

The Guardian

Most migrant groups straddle two cultures.

The Guardian

And some artists manage deftly to straddle the divide.

The Economist

Worse, devolution has helped to engender strong nationalist parties in Wales and especially Scotland, able to humble Labour in what were once its heart of hearts.With his chameleonic charm, Mr Blair managed to straddle this complex social landscape and build an election-winning coalition.

The Economist

As conglomerates, the Japanese are corporate relics, lacking the scale or focus to compete effectively in any of the many industries that they straddle.

The Economist

At the last moment Mr Jindal realised his straddle was not working, struck down the measure, and apologised.He has now regained his footing, but he is damaged.

The Economist

Meanwhile, depending on external events, the broader disagreement on foreign policy between the Tory realists and neocons which Mr Cameron has tried to straddle, and which anyway seems somewhat moot in opposition may become stark.

The Economist

On the "Northside" Mexicans slink like fugitives.Profound though the author's sympathies are for the Mexicans he meets in the cities of Calexico and Mexicali, which straddle the Imperial County-Mexico border like lopsided twins, Mr Vollmann is an impressively honest observer.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "straddle", ensure the context clearly indicates what two distinct entities or concepts are being connected or bridged. Clarity is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "straddle" when you simply mean 'cover' or 'include'. "Straddle" specifically implies an entity is positioned across or connects two different things, not merely encompassing them within a single unit.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "straddle" is as a verb, indicating the act of sitting or standing with legs on either side of something, or metaphorically, to occupy a position that spans or bridges two different areas or concepts. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "straddle" is a versatile verb that describes occupying a position across two things, whether literally or figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct and the usage is common across diverse contexts, particularly in news and formal business settings. When using "straddle", ensure clarity about the two distinct entities being connected. Alternatives like "span across" or ""bridge the gap"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. However, avoid the redundancy of saying "straddle over" and remember that it implies a dual positioning, not mere inclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

span across

Focuses on the act of extending or reaching from one side to another, often implying a physical distance or boundary.

bridge the gap

Emphasizes connecting two disparate entities, ideas, or groups, reducing the differences between them.

occupy an intermediate position

Highlights the state of being situated in between, without necessarily implying action or connection.

lie across

Describes a position that crosses or covers something, often suggesting a static or geographical relationship.

extend over

Implies reaching or stretching across a space or area, suggesting coverage or influence.

cross over

Denotes the act of moving or existing between two different states, categories, or boundaries.

traverse between

Highlights the act of moving or passing through two different points or areas.

encompass both

Emphasizes inclusion of two distinct elements or concepts within a single scope or framework.

mediate between

Implies a role of intervention to reconcile or connect two opposing sides or entities.

overlay on

Suggests placing one thing on top of another, combining or integrating their characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "straddle" in a sentence?

You can use "straddle" to describe something that spans or extends across two different areas or categories. For example, "The new business strategy aims to "bridge the gap" between online and offline sales channels".

What are some alternatives to using "straddle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "span across", ""bridge the gap"", or "encompass both".

Is it correct to say something "straddles over"?

While not grammatically incorrect, it is redundant to say something "straddles over" because "straddle" already implies being positioned across something. It's better to simply say it "straddles".

What is the difference between "straddle" and "overlap"?

"Straddle" implies a position that extends across two distinct areas or categories, while "overlap" suggests a shared region or commonality between two or more things. If you mean the region that is in common, use "overlap", if you mean being positioned across two things, use "straddle".