went across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of moving from one side to another, typically referring to a physical space or barrier. Example: "She went across the street to meet her friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A train went across the United States collecting more milk and other supplies.

Huffington Post

Q: They went across to other roofs.

Cornell University

A smile went across Williams's face.

The New York Times - Sports

And so it went across the board.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lone dog went across Brooklyn Bridge.

The Guardian - Books

Then we went across the street to the movies.

The New York Times

The last goal we conceded went across the goal.

Independent

She went across 23rd St .and dodged puddles.

The New Yorker

So it went across the city all week.

The New York Times

Some said they went across to Building 201.

The Washington Post

They‐then went across the street to Christ the King.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went across" when describing movement from one side of a defined area to another, especially when the method of traversal is less important than the fact of the crossing itself.

Common error

Avoid using "went across" when referring to abstract concepts or transitions that don't involve physical space. Instead of saying "the idea went across well", consider "the idea was well-received".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went across" functions as a verb phrase indicating movement or transition from one point or area to another. It often specifies a crossing or passage over a physical space, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "went across" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe movement from one side to another, whether literally or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of overusing it in abstract contexts, opting for more precise language when possible. Alternatives like "crossed", "traversed", and "passed over" can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crossed

A more direct synonym, implying movement from one side to the other, often over a defined boundary.

traversed

Suggests a more extensive journey or passage through an area.

passed over

Implies movement above or beyond something.

moved over

Indicates a shift in position, often a short distance.

journeyed across

Emphasizes the act of traveling or undertaking a journey.

made its way across

Highlights the process of overcoming obstacles or challenges during movement.

navigated across

Implies careful or skilled movement, often in a challenging environment.

spread across

Describes the distribution or extension over a wider area.

extended across

Highlights the reaching or spanning of something from one point to another.

progressed through

Indicates advancement or development during the course of a movement.

FAQs

How can I use "went across" in a sentence?

You can use "went across" to describe the action of moving from one side to another. For example, "She "went across" the street to the store", or "The news "went across" the country quickly".

What are some alternatives to "went across"?

Alternatives include "crossed", "traversed", or "passed over", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "walked across" instead of "went across"?

Yes, "walked across" is perfectly acceptable and more specific. "Went across" is a general term; "walked across" specifies the mode of transportation. The best choice depends on the level of detail you want to provide.

What is the difference between "went across" and "came across"?

"Went across" implies intentional movement from one side to another, while "came across" usually means encountering something unexpectedly. For example, "I "went across" the border" (intentional), versus "I "came across" an old friend" (unexpected).