cross out

draw a line through words to show they are wrong or not needed

B1

What does "cross sth out" mean?

To cross out something means to draw a line through words or text on paper to show that they are wrong or no longer needed. The original text is still visible underneath the line, but it is cancelled — the reader knows to ignore it. This is something you might do when correcting a spelling mistake in your notes, changing an answer on a test, or editing a handwritten letter. It is a very practical, everyday expression used in schools, offices, and any situation involving paper and pen. It is not used for digital editing — when you remove text on a computer, you delete it, not cross it out.

Examples

How to use it

cross out + object

The most common pattern, used when the object is a noun phrase (especially a longer one).

The teacher told us to cross out the incorrect spelling and write the correct one above it.

cross + object + out

Used when the object is a short noun phrase; this separated form is very natural in everyday speech and writing.

He crossed the wrong answer out and wrote a new one next to it.

cross + pronoun + out

When the object is a pronoun, it must always go between the verb and particle — never after 'out'.

I made a spelling mistake, so I crossed it out and started again.

be crossed out

The passive form is natural when the focus is on the text that has been marked, rather than on who marked it.

Several answers on the exam paper had been crossed out and rewritten.

cross out + object (imperative)

The imperative form is very common in classroom and exam instructions.

Cross out the wrong option and circle the correct one.

Common Collocations

cross out a mistakecross out a wordcross out your answercross out a namecross it outcross out the wrong option

Common Mistakes

Pronoun placement

When the object is a pronoun like 'it' or 'them', it must go between 'cross' and 'out'. Putting it after 'out' is ungrammatical.

✗ She crossed out it by mistake.
✓ She crossed it out by mistake.
Confusing 'cross out' with 'cross off'

'Cross out' means marking something as wrong or unwanted by drawing a line through it. 'Cross off' means removing a completed item from a list, such as a to-do list. Use 'cross out' for mistakes and errors, and 'cross off' for finished tasks.

✗ I crossed out each task as I finished it.
✓ I crossed off each task as I finished it.
Using 'cross out' for digital text

'Cross out' specifically refers to drawing a physical line through text on paper. For removing or erasing text on a screen or computer, use 'delete' instead.

✗ I crossed out the paragraph in my Word document.
✓ I deleted the paragraph in my Word document.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral and works in both spoken and written English, but it specifically refers to drawing a line through text on paper — not digital editing. It is very common in school and exam instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'cross out' be used for any kind of text, or only handwriting?

'Cross out' is used for physical text on paper — whether it is handwritten or printed. The key idea is that you draw a visible line through the text with a pen or pencil. It is not used for digital editing on a screen, where you would say 'delete' instead.

Does 'cross out' mean the text is completely removed?

No — when you cross something out, the original text is still visible under the line. You are just showing that it should be ignored or that it is wrong. If you want to show that something is completely removed or erased, 'delete' is a better word.

Is there a difference between 'cross out' and 'strike out'?

'Cross out' and 'strike out' describe the same physical action, but 'strike out' sounds more formal and is often used in legal or official documents. In everyday situations — like correcting homework or editing a letter — 'cross out' is the more natural and common choice.

What kinds of things can you 'cross out'?

You can cross out words, sentences, names, answers, mistakes, errors, spellings, and similar written items. It is most commonly used in school, exam, and editing situations. The key is that the object should be something written or printed on paper.

Is 'score out' the same as 'cross out'?

'Score out' means the same thing as 'cross out' — drawing a line through text to cancel it. However, 'score out' is more common in British English and is less widely used overall. 'Cross out' is the safer, more universally understood choice.

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