across from
across from; on the opposite side
- Use it for a fixed position on the opposite side of a space (street/river/hall).
- It is static location; for movement to the other side, use across.
- Often interchangeable with opposite; across from is very common in AmE.
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Examples
Spatial examples
The bank is across from the mall.
He lives across from the park.
The pharmacy is across from the station entrance.
Related prepositions
Key differences
across from focuses on "across from; on the opposite side", so compare it with close alternatives for beginners.
Quick check questions (decision tree)
Is it touching a surface?
Touching -> often on; if this page is not on, use the closest surface/contact preposition.
Is it inside a container or boundary?
Inside -> more likely near; if not inside, check position/distance/covering.
Is it above without contact, or below/covered?
Above without contact -> lean toward opposite; below/covered -> under/beneath/underneath.
Common collocations
Urban locations
Transit and infrastructure
Everyday landmarks
Common mistakes
Avoid: The ball is near the box.
Use: The ball is across from the box.
Reason: This context matches across from, not near.
Avoid: The marker moved opposite the table.
Use: The marker moved across from the table.
Reason: Keep across from for this relation; opposite changes the meaning.
Mini quiz
Question 1
Choose the correct preposition: ___ the room.
Choose an answer
Question 2
Choose the correct preposition: ___ the path.
Choose an answer
Question 3
Choose the correct preposition: ___ the target area.
Choose an answer
Quick FAQ
What does "across from" mean?+
across from; on the opposite side. Rule: Use it for a fixed position on the opposite side of a space (street/river/hall).
When should I use "across from"?+
Use it when this relation is true: Use it for a fixed position on the opposite side of a space (street/river/hall). It is static location; for movement to the other side, use across. Rule: The bank is across from the mall.
What is the difference between "across from" and "near"?+
across from and near emphasize different spatial relations. Rule: near the area
What is the difference between "across from" and "opposite"?+
across from is often confused with opposite; check contact, boundary, or direction. Rule: opposite the area
Can "across from" be used for time expressions?+
Mostly no. This preposition is primarily spatial/dynamic; use dedicated time prepositions when needed.
What is a common mistake when using "across from"?+
A frequent beginner mistake is: Avoid: The ball is near the box. Use: The ball is across from the box. Reason: This context matches across from, not near.
What are common collocations with "across from"?+
High-frequency examples: across from the bank, across from the mall, across from the school, across from the hospital, across from the library, across from the park
How can I remember "across from" quickly?+
Tie it to one clear spatial image and one short sentence. Repeat both together for 30 seconds.