take the bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take the bridge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to cross a bridge or to use a bridge as a route or means of transportation. Example: "To reach the other side of the river, you need to take the bridge at the end of the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Military

Directions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

His remarks were met with chants of "Take the bridge, take the bridge".

The New York Times

His remarks were met with chants of "Take the bridge".

The New York Times

We can take the bridge!" Over the last bridge they went.

The New Yorker

He said it might be time to take the bridge back.

The New York Times

The original plan had been to take the bridge by Saturday evening.

The New York Times

At the top, turn left onto College Avenue and take the bridge into the Cornell campus.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Robert Ashby, Glider Pilot Regiment, describes his part in the operation to take the bridges at Benouville (later know as Pegasus Bridge) and Ranville early on D-day.

The Guardian

Night fell, and the protesters finally took the bridge.

The New York Times

The prime minister takes the bridge and pulls a lever.

The Economist

"It was fabulous," said Steve Anderson, a retired photographer, after taking the bridge up from the park.

The New York Times

His second in command, Lt. Catesby ap Roger Jones, took the bridge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions, be specific about which bridge to "take" by including its name or a clear landmark. For example, "Take the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito."

Common error

Avoid using "take the bridge" in contexts where you mean to overcome a challenge or connect two disparate ideas. While "bridge" can be used metaphorically, "take the bridge" is usually understood literally. For metaphorical uses, consider phrases like "bridge the gap" or "overcome the obstacle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the bridge" functions primarily as an imperative or directive phrase. It is used to instruct or advise someone to use a specific bridge for transportation, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples where the phrase is used in travel directions and military strategies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take the bridge" is a grammatically sound phrase typically used to give directions or instructions involving a specific bridge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While alternatives like "cross the bridge" or "use the bridge" exist, "take the bridge" often implies a more specific route. It’s important to specify which bridge you're referring to for clarity. With a neutral register and common usage in news and media, "take the bridge" is a reliable phrase to guide someone across a literal bridge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross the bridge

This alternative is a more direct and common way to describe the action of traversing a bridge.

use the bridge

This alternative focuses on the act of utilizing the bridge as a means of passage.

go over the bridge

This alternative specifies the direction of travel across the bridge.

drive across the bridge

This alternative specifies the mode of transport being used to cross the bridge.

walk over the bridge

This alternative specifies walking as the method of crossing the bridge.

traverse the bridge

This alternative is a more formal way of saying to cross the bridge.

pass over the bridge

This alternative implies a brief or quick crossing of the bridge.

get across via the bridge

This alternative emphasizes that the bridge is the method for getting to the other side.

travel by bridge

This alternative is a general way to indicate that a bridge is part of the route.

access via the bridge

This alternative implies that the bridge provides a way to reach something.

FAQs

How can I use "take the bridge" in a sentence?

You can use "take the bridge" when giving directions, such as, "To get to Brooklyn, "take the Brooklyn Bridge"." It means to use the specified bridge for crossing.

What is the difference between "cross the bridge" and "take the bridge"?

While both phrases refer to using a bridge, "take the bridge" often implies a specific instruction or planned route, whereas "cross the bridge" is a more general statement about traversing a bridge.

Are there situations where "take the bridge" could be misunderstood?

Yes, if the context is unclear, listeners might not know which bridge you're referring to. Always specify which bridge to "take", or provide enough context for clarity. For example, the direction "take the bridge over the river" could be enough in the correct context.

What can I say instead of "take the bridge" when giving driving directions?

Alternatives include "use the bridge", "cross over the bridge", or simply state the route including the bridge's name such as "drive over the Golden Gate Bridge".