# go across

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/go-across
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- We need to go across the street to the bakery.
- The bridge allows cars to go across the river without waiting for the ferry.
- The explorers had to go across the vast desert with limited water supplies and no reliable maps.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He went across of the bridge." but "He went across the bridge." — 'across' functions as a preposition here and does not require 'of'.

## Usage notes

- 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).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.