A stiff road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A stiff road" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a road that is rigid or difficult to navigate, possibly due to its surface or condition. Example: "The car struggled to maintain traction on the stiff road after the heavy rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A stiff road test awaits on Monday, when the Orange head to No. 1 Pittsburgh.

The New York Times - Sports

Each team faces a stiff road challenge in the near future.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A car marketed on performance will generally have a somewhat harsh ride due to a stiff suspension for more "road feel" and best cornering on smooth roads.[1] This may mean more fun for you, but more distraction and discomfort for your passengers, especially if any of them are prone to car sickness.

WikiHow

LAKERS 101, THUNDER 98, OT Kobe Bryant scored 31 points and hit the go-ahead jumper in overtime as Los Angeles survived a stiff test in its first road game.

The New York Times

Beijing's notoriously clogged-up roads will get a stiff dose of decongestant today when a third of the city's vehicles will be ordered off the streets during a test run for next year's Olympic Games.

The Guardian

But faced with a stiff headwind on the final couple of miles of Bonette-Restefond, thighestest road in France, the CSC squad decided not to attack.

The New York Times - Sports

Other causes include road-traffic accidents, seizures and forced manipulation of a stiff knee.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The road there was desolate, and even more so because it was winter, with a stiff wind blowing.

The New York Times - Magazine

With road and communication links broken getting to those stranded in remote areas is proving to be a stiff challenge.

BBC

A stiff gentility reigns.

The New York Times - Arts

He's a stiff!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A stiff road", consider the context. It often implies not just a physical road but a challenging situation or test. Ensure your writing reflects this dual meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "A stiff road" solely to describe a physical road without acknowledging the potential metaphorical implications of a difficult or challenging journey.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "A stiff road" is that of a noun phrase. It functions as a subject complement or an object, describing a literal or figurative road that is challenging or difficult. Ludwig indicates its usage in describing tests or challenges.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A stiff road" is a noun phrase that signifies a challenging or difficult path, test, or situation. As Ludwig indicates, it is often used figuratively and appears primarily in news media and general writing. While grammatically correct, the phrase is relatively rare. When using "A stiff road", consider its implications of difficulty and ensure the context is appropriate. Alternative phrases like "a challenging path" or "a difficult route" may be more common, depending on the specific nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A challenging path

Focuses on the difficulty of the road rather than its physical properties.

A difficult route

Emphasizes the arduous nature of the journey.

A rough road

Highlights the uneven or poor condition of the road surface.

A demanding course

Shifts the focus to the effort required to traverse the road.

An arduous journey

Broadens the scope from just the road to the entire travel experience.

A tough passage

Highlights the hardship of navigating a way.

A rigorous trail

Specifies the trail as demanding and potentially physically taxing.

A testing way

Presents the road as a trial or challenge.

A problematic path

Focuses on the difficulties and potential issues associated with the road.

A taxing route

Emphasizes the physical or mental strain imposed by the road.

FAQs

What does "A stiff road" mean?

In literal terms, "A stiff road" can describe a road that is rigid or difficult to navigate. Figuratively, it can represent a challenging or difficult test or situation.

How can I use "A stiff road" in a sentence?

You might say, "The team faced "a stiff road" ahead in their quest for the championship", implying the challenges were significant.

What are some alternatives to "A stiff road"?

Consider using alternatives like "a challenging path", "a difficult route", or "a rough road" depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it more common to use "A stiff road" literally or figuratively?

While it can be used literally, "A stiff road" often carries a figurative meaning, suggesting a difficult or demanding situation. The interpretation depends heavily on the context.