Cool MateBridge vs Crossing vs Link
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Bridge
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Crossing
Top 2,000 (common)
Link
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Bridge | Crossing | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/brɪdʒ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/brɪdʒ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈkrɒs.ɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ˈkrɔːs.ɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 /["/lɪŋk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɪŋk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A structure that allows people or vehicles to cross over something, like a river. | The act of going from one side to another. | A connection between things. |
| Example | We drove across the bridge to get to the other side of the river. | The pedestrian is waiting at the crossing. | Please click on the link to visit the website. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | |
| Collocations | high, humpback, narrow, build, destroy, wash away, cross something, span something, connect something, across a/the bridge, over a/the bridge, under a/the bridge, game, rubber, play, tournament, partner, player | railway crossing, pedestrian crossing, crossing the street | close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, audio, video, radio, have, establish, lose, via a/the link, link to, link via, embedded, hypertext, Internet, have, add, build, lead to something, point to something, work, link to |
| Antonyms | gap, chasm | staying, remaining | disconnect, detach, divide |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'bridged' as a verb., Misused in expressions, e.g., 'burning bridges' used incorrectly., Using it in a context where 'tunnel' would be more appropriate. | Confused with 'cross' as a verb and 'crossing' as a noun., Using 'crossing' in contexts where 'cross' is more appropriate., Incorrectly placing prepositions, e.g., 'crossing at the road' instead of 'crossing the road.' | Confused with 'link' as a noun and verb, forgetting to use the right form., Using 'link' when a stronger word like 'connect' is needed in formal writing., Overusing 'link' instead of 'connection' in context. |
| Usage notes | The word 'bridge' is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical senses. In a literal context, it's used to describe actual physical structures. In a metaphorical context, it can describe building connections between people or ideas. Avoid using it in overly formal documents when referencing metaphorical meanings. | Use 'crossing' for both physical movements and figurative transitions. Avoid in overly formal contexts. | Use 'link' in both formal and informal situations. In academic writing, it often refers to ideas or arguments connected logically. Avoid it in contexts requiring very precise language. |
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Frequently asked questions: Bridge vs Crossing vs Link
What's the difference between Bridge, Crossing, and Link?
Bridge: A structure that allows people or vehicles to cross over something, like a river. Crossing: The act of going from one side to another. Link: A connection between things.
Can you show an example of each?
Bridge: We drove across the bridge to get to the other side of the river. Crossing: The pedestrian is waiting at the crossing. Link: Please click on the link to visit the website.
Can I use Bridge, Crossing, and Link interchangeably?
Not always. Bridge, Crossing, and Link are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.