What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cross
Example
Be careful when you cross the street. [cross: verb]
Example
The two roads cross each other at this point. [cross: verb]
Example
I crossed out the wrong answer and wrote the correct one. [crossed: past tense]
intersect
Example
The two lines intersect at this point. [intersect: verb]
Example
The study of psychology intersects with sociology in some areas. [intersects: present tense]
Example
The city is divided into several districts that intersect with each other. [intersect: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cross is more commonly used than intersect in everyday language, and is versatile enough to be used in various contexts. Intersect, on the other hand, is more commonly used in technical or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cross and intersect?
Intersect is more formal than cross, and is typically used in technical or academic writing. Cross, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
