"across" usage

[learnerAF]

The Cambridge dictionary says We use across when something touches or stretches from one side to another.

E.g., She divided the page by drawing a red line across it. Then she cut it in two.

Now, what should I assume, did she cut the page into two pieces vertically or horizontally?

And, Can we use the same example for saying that she drew a red line diagonally on the page, and cut it into two pieces, without specifying the word "diagonally"?

Thanks in advance for your help and time.

 

[Barque]

She divided the page by drawing a red line across it. Then she cut it in two.

Were these sentences in the dictionary, or are they yours?

Now, what should I assume, did she cut the page into two pieces vertically or horizontally?

I think what you're asking is "Can I tell from this sentence if the line was drawn horizontally or vertically?" I'd say it's more likely to be a horizontal one, because if she'd drawn a vertical line, it'd be more natural to say "She divided the page by drawing a red line down it".

Can we use the same example for saying that she drew a red line diagonally on the page, and cut it into two pieces, without specifying the word "diagonally"?

Are you asking if you can say "She drew a red line diagonally across the page"? Yes, you can.

 

[5jj]

Across - from side to side - horizontally
Down - from top to botton - vertically

You need to mention 'diagonally' if that's what you want.

 

[learnerAF]

Were these sentences in the dictionary, or are they yours?

Thanks for your help.

Yes, these sentences were in the dictionary. Here's the link to the article: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/across-over-or-through