traverse a bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traverse a bridge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of crossing over a bridge, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "As we traverse the bridge, we can enjoy the beautiful view of the river below."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

At lesser wind speeds, there may be some restrictions on driving speed or the type of vehicle that can traverse a bridge.

The New York Times

While I wouldn't want to traverse a bridge built by a Civil Engineer who didn't understand any physics, there are clearly topics in physics that have very little use to someone who's building a bridge.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fatigue reliability of bridge details needs to account for increased loads caused by the ever-increasing traffic flows and axle weights traversing a bridge.

International Journal of Fatigue

Moving Force Identification (MFI) theory can be used to create an algorithm for a Bridge Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) system that can produce complete force histories of the loads that have traversed a bridge structure.

Engineering Structures

Sikich and other scientists surmised that P-22 might have traversed a bridge or culvert to cross the 101 and 405 freeways to enter the park.

Los Angeles Times

Upon entry, visitors traverse a glass bridge; right below your feet are 9,000 red poppies -- each of these flowers, which grew especially lush and red after fierce fighting on the fields of Flanders, represents the 9 million soldiers from all countries who died in the Great War.

Huffington Post

Clegg managed to traverse a treetop rope bridge in what appeared to be a pair of mid-range navy chinos.

The Guardian

Finally it was time to experience Faux Mo, the afterhours club located in Huon Quays, a magnificent waterfront venue, reached by traversing a railway bridge festooned in lights.

The Guardian

But once we had all traversed a cable bridge and ridden our first zip line, we easily conversed with — and held out steadying arms to — one another.

The New York Times - Travel

He was the project manager for a commercial building complex in which a pedestrian bridge would traverse a central courtyard, and he didn't like the architect's conception of the bridge.

The New Yorker

Traversing a three-rope bridge at Princeton Blairstown Center.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traverse a bridge" when you want to emphasize a formal or somewhat literary tone, especially when describing a journey or passage across a significant structure or obstacle.

Common error

While "traverse" is a valid word, avoid overusing it when simpler words like "cross" or "go over" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traverse a bridge" functions as a verb phrase where "traverse" is the verb indicating the action of crossing, and "a bridge" is the direct object. It describes the act of moving across a bridge, and, according to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "traverse a bridge" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe the action of crossing a bridge. While interchangeable with simpler phrases like "cross a bridge", "traverse" lends a more formal or literary tone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and it's most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using it, consider the tone you wish to convey and avoid overuse, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross a bridge

This is a more common and straightforward way to express the same action of going from one side of a bridge to another.

pass over a bridge

Focuses on the action of going over the bridge, rather than necessarily reaching the other side.

travel across a bridge

Emphasizes the journey or movement across the bridge.

go across a bridge

A simple and direct way to express crossing a bridge.

drive over a bridge

Specifically refers to crossing the bridge in a vehicle.

walk across a bridge

Specifically refers to crossing the bridge on foot.

take a bridge

Implies using a bridge as part of a route or journey.

make one's way across a bridge

Suggests a more deliberate or challenging crossing.

span a bridge

Focuses on the bridge's ability to connect two points, rather than the act of crossing it.

use a bridge to cross

Explicitly states the purpose of the bridge as a means of crossing something.

FAQs

What does "traverse a bridge" mean?

To "traverse a bridge" means to cross over a bridge, typically implying a journey or passage from one side to the other.

When is it appropriate to use "traverse" instead of "cross"?

"Traverse" is more formal than "cross" and can be used when you want to add a slightly elevated or literary tone to your writing. Consider using "cross a bridge" for simpler contexts.

What are some alternatives to "traverse a bridge"?

Some alternatives include "pass over a bridge", "travel across a bridge", or simply "cross a bridge".

Is "traverse a bridge" commonly used in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "traverse a bridge" is more frequently found in written text than in everyday spoken language. Simpler phrases like "cross a bridge" are more common in casual speech.