1 C1 idiomatic formal
To apply or transfer lessons, conclusions, or findings from one area to another similar area.
"The results from this pilot study read across well to larger hospital settings."
inseparable
read across
C1 formal inseparable intransitive
To apply or transfer information, findings, or principles from one context or domain to another comparable one.
In plain English
To use what you learned in one situation to understand a different but similar situation.
What does "read across" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To read horizontally across a row or table of data.
"Read across the table to find the value that corresponds to your age group."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To read in a horizontal direction across a page or table.
Actually means
To use what you learned in one situation to understand a different but similar situation.
Usage tip
Common in academic, policy, and research English. Typically used when comparing studies, sectors, or fields to see if conclusions from one are relevant to another. Often appears as 'these findings read across to...'
Words that pair with "read across"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
findings lessons policy sector research results
How to conjugate "read across"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
read across
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reads across
he/she/it
Past simple
read across
yesterday
Past participle
read across
have + pp
-ing form
reading across
continuous
Hear "read across" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "read across" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "read across"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.