Across vs. Go Across

Attribute	Across	Go Across
Definition	From one side to the other side of something	To move from one side to the other side of something
Usage	Commonly used as a preposition or adverb	Commonly used as a phrasal verb
Direction	Can refer to movement in any direction	Usually implies movement in a horizontal direction
Formality	Considered more formal in some contexts	Considered more informal in some contexts

Definition

Across and go across are two phrases that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Across typically refers to moving from one side to another, while go across specifically implies the action of moving from one side to another. For example, you can say "I walked across the street" or "I go across the street" to convey a similar idea, but the latter emphasizes the action of going.

Usage

Across is more commonly used in written and formal contexts, while go across is often used in spoken language and informal settings. Across is also used as a preposition, adverb, and adjective, while go across is primarily used as a phrasal verb. In terms of frequency, across is used more frequently in everyday language compared to go across.

Connotation

Across tends to have a more neutral connotation, simply indicating movement from one side to another. On the other hand, go across can imply a sense of purpose or intention behind the action. For example, saying "I went across the room to talk to my friend" suggests that there was a specific reason for crossing the room, while "I walked across the room" is more neutral in tone.

Length

Across is a shorter and more concise word compared to go across. This difference in length can impact the flow and rhythm of a sentence or phrase. For example, if you are trying to convey a sense of urgency or speed, using go across may be more effective than across due to its longer length and the emphasis it places on the action of going.

Formality

Across is generally considered more formal and appropriate for written communication, such as academic papers, business reports, or official documents. Go across, on the other hand, is more casual and conversational in tone, making it suitable for informal conversations, storytelling, or everyday interactions. The choice between across and go across can also depend on the level of formality required in a particular context.

Examples

• She walked across the bridge to get to the other side.
• He decided to go across the field to reach the farmhouse.
• The cat ran across the street to chase a squirrel.
• We need to go across town to pick up the package.

Conclusion

While across and go across are similar in meaning, they have distinct differences in terms of usage, connotation, length, formality, and context. Across is more commonly used and considered formal, while go across is more casual and conversational. The choice between the two phrases depends on the specific nuances you want to convey in your communication. Whether you choose across or go across, both phrases are versatile and can be used effectively in various contexts.