There are three old stone bridges across the river vs. ... that across the river

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

There are three old stone bridges across the river.

Can I say “There are three old stone bridges that across the river” as well?

Thanks.

2

If the answer is yes, would the meaning be the same?

3

No, that’s not correct. You could say ‘that cross the river’ and then the meaning would be very similar.

4

You are trying to use “across” as a verb but it can only serve either as a preposition (as in the original sentence) or an adverb.

Unless I am wrong! :slight_smile:

5

You are right, Cristina. :wink:

Thanks a lot, Bev. :wink:

6

“There are three old stone bridges across the river”. Can I also say “… on the river”?

Thanks in advance.

7

It’s possible, though you are changing the meaning – or at least the emphasis.

8

Of course any decent bridge near a river is usually across it- ‘on’ is preferable.