we are crossing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are crossing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of moving from one side of something to another, such as a street, river, or boundary. Example: "As we are crossing the street, please make sure to look both ways for oncoming traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Travel

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"We are crossing our fingers in this environment," he said.

The New York Times

It is Kali Puja in Kolkata and we are crossing a narrow footbridge to the river.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We are crossing our fingers," said Joseph Bideri, spokesman for the Rwandan government.

The New York Times

As for lesbians, we are crossing the line when accused of "looking like men".

The Guardian - Opinion

They think we are crossing a red line". It's a game changer.

The Guardian

Amazingly enough, the forests we are crossing are not in bad shape.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"We're crossing our fingers".

The New York Times

"I mean, we're crossing our fingers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We were crossing the film without a net.

The Guardian - Film

We were crossing the Blue Mountains — on I-84, the Oregon Trail.

The New Yorker

We were crossing, in January, from New York to Southampton.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are crossing" to describe a literal movement from one side of something to another, such as a street, border, or bridge. For instance: "We are crossing the border into Canada."

Common error

Avoid using "we are crossing" too frequently in metaphorical contexts where a more precise verb would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound vague. For example, instead of saying "We are crossing into a new era of technology", consider "We are entering a new era of technology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are crossing" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a continuous action of moving from one point or area to another. Ludwig confirms this by providing numerous examples of both literal and figurative usages. It describes the act of traversing a physical space or exceeding a boundary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are crossing" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase to describe the action of moving from one point to another, literally or figuratively. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides various examples from reliable sources. It is grammatically sound and suitable for a wide range of contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "we are traversing". When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing it metaphorically and ensure that the context is clear and precise. Overall, "we are crossing" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolbox.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are moving across

A more descriptive and literal alternative, highlighting the act of movement.

we are traversing

Replaces "crossing" with a more formal term indicating movement across an area.

we are transitioning

Emphasizes a change or shift from one state or condition to another.

we are passing over

Emphasizes the act of going over something, often a physical barrier or landmark.

we are stepping over

Suggests a deliberate action of moving past an obstacle or boundary.

we are going beyond

Indicates exceeding a limit or boundary, often in a figurative sense.

we are bridging

Implies connecting two separate points or ideas.

we are intersecting

Highlights the point at which two things meet or cross paths.

we are exceeding

Focuses on surpassing a limit or expectation.

we are transcending

Suggests rising above or going beyond limitations or constraints.

FAQs

How can I use "we are crossing" in a sentence?

You can use "we are crossing" to describe physically moving from one point to another, such as "We are crossing the street now, so be careful". It can also be used metaphorically, like "We are crossing a new threshold in our understanding of quantum physics".

What can I say instead of "we are crossing"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we are traversing", "we are passing over", or "we are moving across".

Is it correct to say "we are crossing a line"?

Yes, "we are crossing a line" is a common idiom that means exceeding acceptable limits or boundaries, often in a moral or ethical sense.

What's the difference between "we are crossing" and "we are going through"?

"We are crossing" typically implies moving from one side of something to the other, while "we are going through" suggests experiencing a process or situation. For example, "We are crossing the bridge" versus "We are going through a difficult time".