traverse the bridge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traverse the bridge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of crossing over a bridge, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "To reach the other side of the river, we must first traverse the bridge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Next weekend Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, is once again asking many of the 280,000 drivers who traverse the bridge each day to find another way across the bay.

The New York Times

I wish you the very best of success as you traverse the bridge to what for me remains a wonderful career.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

There, as most racers knocked back beers, thrilled at having traversed the bridge, word of Mr. Hackett's accident spread.

The New York Times

Traversing the Bridge Years by Skip Brass, May 15 , 2009

Science Magazine

Perspective: Traversing the Bridge Years--Advice for Future Physician-Scientists, by Skip Brass, 15 May 2009.

Science Magazine

What does this have to do with traversing the bridge from M.D.-Ph.D. school to independence?

Science Magazine

The first big step in successfully traversing the bridge is deciding whether that is still your goal--then choosing a bridge that will take you there.

Science Magazine

All saposin C−/− mice failed to cross the 5 mm square beam, whereas WT mice had no difficulty traversing the bridge (data not shown).

Human Molecular Genetics

The histories of the train traversing the bridges are simulated and the dynamic responses of the piers and the train vehicles are calculated.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The O-1 forms the city's inner ring road, traversing the Bosphorus Bridge, and the O-2 is the city's outer ring road, crossing the Fatih Sultan Mehmet (Second Bosphorus) Bridge.

Wikipedia

One weekend, "Moses" proposes traversing the Forth Road Bridge from north to south: "The plan was mental and everyone loved it".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "traverse the bridge" when you want to convey a sense of purposeful or careful movement across a significant physical or metaphorical connection. It is more formal than "cross the bridge".

Common error

While "traverse" is a valid synonym for "cross", it's more formal. Avoid using "traverse the bridge" in very casual conversations; "cross the bridge" is often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traverse the bridge" functions as a verb phrase, where "traverse" is the verb indicating the action of crossing, and "the bridge" is the object specifying what is being crossed. This phrase describes the act of moving across a bridge, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Science & Research

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "traverse the bridge" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes the act of crossing a bridge, either physically or metaphorically. Ludwig indicates its correctness and provides several examples from reputable sources. While more formal than simpler alternatives like "cross the bridge", it is appropriate for news, scientific, and professional contexts. Although relatively rare, understanding its proper usage can add nuance and sophistication to your writing. Related phrases include "cross the bridge" and "go over the bridge", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cross the bridge

Replaces "traverse" with the more common synonym "cross", maintaining the literal sense of moving from one side to another.

go over the bridge

Uses a simpler verb construction with "go over", suitable for informal contexts while retaining the core meaning.

pass over the bridge

Emphasizes the action of moving across the bridge, focusing on the journey.

travel across the bridge

Highlights the act of traveling with the bridge as the medium.

make one's way across the bridge

Adds detail to the movement, suggesting a more deliberate or challenging crossing.

navigate the bridge

Implies careful or skillful movement across the bridge, especially if the bridge presents difficulties.

span the bridge

Focuses on the bridge's role in connecting two points, rather than the act of crossing it.

walk across the bridge

Specifies the mode of transport as walking, adding a specific detail.

journey over the bridge

Elevates the action of crossing to a journey, adding a sense of purpose or significance.

take the bridge

Simple substitution that indicate the act of choosing to use that road.

FAQs

What does "traverse the bridge" mean?

To "traverse the bridge" means to cross or travel over a bridge, often implying a deliberate or careful movement. It can also be used metaphorically to describe overcoming a challenge or transition.

What can I say instead of "traverse the bridge"?

You can use alternatives like "cross the bridge", "go over the bridge", or "pass over the bridge" depending on the context.

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

Example: "To get to the island, you must first traverse the bridge." Another example: "The research team had to traverse the bridge between theory and practical application."

Is "traverse the bridge" formal or informal?

"Traverse the bridge" is more formal than simply saying "cross the bridge". Use it when you want to sound more sophisticated or when describing a significant crossing or transition.