What is across? Pronunciation and usage in English

across means . Learn how to pronounce and use across through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of across

acrosspreposition

/əˈkrɒs/
Definition & pronunciation of across

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "across" in English. There are a few common pronunciations, and they're largely regional. Here's a breakdown of the most frequent ways:

1. The Most Common (General American) Pronunciation:

  • ˈkræ.s.əs (This is likely what you'll hear in most of the US)
    • ˈkræ: "kræ" – This is like the "crash" sound, but with a slightly more open "a" sound. It’s not quite as sharp as in "crash."
    • s: "s" - A regular "s" sound.
    • əs: "əs" – This is a tricky part! It’s a reduced vowel sound. It's almost like the "s" is swallowed and the "a" is very short. Think of it as sounding a little like "uh-cross." It's often barely perceptible.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • ˈkɹæ.s.əs (Note the "ɹ" - this is the "r" sound in British English)
    • ˈkɹæ: Similar to above, but with a more distinct "r" sound at the beginning.
    • s: "s"
    • əs: Same reduced vowel sound as above.

Tips to help you:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("kræ").
  • The "s" sound: Don’t overemphasize the "s." It's a subtle sound.
  • The "əs" part: This is the hardest part for many learners. Practice saying "uh-cross" very quickly, and you'll start to get the feel of the reduced vowel.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., US, UK, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word across in English

Let's break down how to use the word "across" in English. It's a really versatile word with multiple meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Direction/Movement – Moving from One Side to the Other

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It describes moving from one side to the opposite side.
    • Example: "Walk across the street." (Moving from one side of the street to the other)
    • Example: "She sailed across the lake." (Moving from one side of the lake to the other)
    • Example: “He ran across the field.” (Moving from one side of the field to the other)

2. Across (Relating to a Distance or Area)

  • Covering an Area: "Across" can indicate extent or completeness.

    • Example: "The rain fell across the valley." (Covering the entire valley)
    • Example: “The advertisement spread across the magazine.” (Covering the page)
    • Example: “He looked across the room.” (Referring to the whole room, not just a small section)

  • Spanning: It can show something goes from one side to the other.

    • Example: "A bridge across the river." (Spanning the river)
    • Example: "A fence across the garden." (Running horizontally across the garden)

3. Across (Communication/Information)

  • Communicating to or About:

    • Example: "I sent an email across to my boss." (Communicating to the boss)
    • Example: "He told me everything across the dinner table." (Sharing information with me)
    • Example: "She explained it across to the students." (Teaching/explaining to the students)

  • Referring to something communicated:

    • Example: "Let's look across the board at the results.” (Referring to the overall results)

4. Across (Time – Often in a Sequence)

  • In Succession:
    • Example: “He delivered his speech across three days.” (Over the course of three days)
    • Example: "They travelled across Europe in a month." (During that month)

5. Idiomatic Expressions with "Across"

  • “Across the street”: Usually referring to a street directly in front of you.
  • “Across the board”: Means completely or universally – affecting everyone. (Example: “Salary raises were granted across the board.”)
  • “Come across”: To encounter someone or something unexpectedly. (Example: "I just came across an old friend.")
  • “Get across”: To be understood. (Example: "I tried to explain, but he didn't get across the point.")

Key Points to Remember:

  • Prepositions: “Across” is most often used as a preposition.
  • Context is Key: The precise meaning of “across” will depend on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the specific meaning, synonyms might include "over," "through," "about," "to," “among,” or "from one side to the other."

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., writing, speaking, a specific subject like geography?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word across

Practice with vocabulary across

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She walked _______ the bridge to reach the other side of the river.
  2. The message was delivered _______ multiple platforms to ensure everyone received it.
  3. The cat jumped _______ the fence and disappeared into the garden.
  4. The bookstore is located _______ from the coffee shop, just a short walk away.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The new policy aims to improve communication _______ departments.
    a) through
    b) across
    c) over
    d) within

  2. Can you see the mountains _______ the valley?
    a) beyond
    b) across
    c) around
    d) beside

  3. The company expanded its services _______ the globe.
    a) throughout
    b) across
    c) along
    d) under

  4. The children ran _______ the park, laughing and playing.
    a) through
    b) over
    c) beside
    d) towards

  5. Please write your name _______ the top of the page.
    a) at
    b) above
    c) across
    d) on

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The news spread quickly through the entire organization.
    Rewrite:

  2. Original: She walked from one end of the street to the other.
    Rewrite:

  3. Original: The painting was hung above the fireplace.
    Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. across
  2. across
  3. over
  4. opposite

Exercise 2:

  1. b) across
  2. b) across
  3. b) across
  4. a) through
  5. a) at

Exercise 3:

  1. The news spread quickly across the entire organization.
  2. She walked across the street.
  3. The painting was hung on the wall above the fireplace.

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