A bridge is a structure that lets people or vehicles cross over something such as a river or road.

The idea

Say walk across the bridge for travel from one side to the other and pass under the bridge for movement below it. The plural is bridges.

Examples

  • The bridge crosses the river.
  • We walked across the bridge.
  • A train passed under the bridge.
  • There are two bridges near the town.
  • The old bridge is closed today.
  • Turn left after the bridge.

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Watch out

A bridge can cross a road or railway as well as a river; the word does not identify what lies beneath it.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the word for movement across. We walked on top of the bridge from one side to the other: we walked ___ the bridge. (across / under)

    Show answer or example answer

    across

    Across describes movement from one side to the other.

  2. Choose the word for movement below. The train passed below it: it went ___ the bridge. (under / across)

    Show answer or example answer

    under

    Under places the train below the bridge.

  3. Decide whether a bridge must span water. Must every bridge cross water? (no / yes)

    Show answer or example answer

    no

    A bridge can also span a road, so water is not guaranteed.

Use it today

Describe a bridge and give a direction using across, under or after it.