ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go across

phrasal verb.
A2 Elementary Oxford General-service
Definition

phrasal verb. to move from one side of a space or area to the other side.

phrasal verb. to traverse a surface, boundary, or geographical feature; often used as a literal phrasal verb of motion.


SIMPLE

We need to go across the street to the bakery.

CONTEXTUAL

The bridge allows cars to go across the river without waiting for the ferry.

COMPLEX

The explorers had to go across the vast desert with limited water supplies and no reliable maps.

Particles
across
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + across + object
Usage

usually followed by a noun phrase representing the area being crossed.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'cross' (the single-word verb) and 'get across' (which often implies reaching a destination or communicating an idea).

Pitfall

He went across of the bridge.He went across the bridge.'across' functions as a preposition here and does not require 'of'.

Last updated April 24, 2026