Road

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'road' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a wide, paved path or thoroughfare used for transportation. Example: I drove down the winding road through the mountains, enjoying the scenic view of the valley below.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a whole new road for me, something I can get my teeth into but I just felt it was something I had to do.

The Guardian - Sport

Jeff Carter scored in the opening minute of the second and third periods for the Kings, who became the first road team to win in the series.

The New York Times - Sports

The perils of crashing are obvious, but being trapped behind a crash when the road is blocked with bodies and bikes is equally perturbing.

The Guardian - Sport

The term "nervous" is on every rider and manager's lips when asked to describe the demands of the early phase of the race, but what they mean is more complex than a few shivers of anticipation at the prospect of a tricky bit of road or two.

The Guardian - Sport

"Do not dismiss those ideas no matter how hard you think they are, because most of you do not have to walk that hard road with us".

The Guardian

Mr David Wilkie, aged 35, was killed when a concrete block and a four foot long concrete post were dropped on his car from a bridge 20 feet above the A465 Heads of the Valleys road near Merthyr Tydfil.

The Guardian

The outcome lifted the Bergamaschi to 12th and kept the bottom side Catania winless on the road this season.

The Guardian - Sport

Pumphouse Point Pumphouse Point road, Lake St Clair 0428 090 436 Lake St Clair lodge Lake St Clair Road, Lake St Clair [phone] Oatlands lodge 92 High Street, Oatlands [phone] Oliver Milman travelled to Tasmania courtesy of Tourism Tasmania.

The Guardian - Travel

And an incredibly cheesy Budweiser advert uses the bond between a man and his dog to promote road safety.

The Guardian

Not one moment of this long day on the road had been spent in the traditional hitching pose: waving signs or thumbs at passing motorists.

The Guardian - Travel

Wales have not lost on the road in the Six Nations since March 2011, the month that Ireland last beat one of their title rivals, England, Wales or France, at home.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "road" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "the road to success" implies a path or process.

Common error

Avoid using "road" and "route" interchangeably. "Road" typically refers to the physical path, while "route" is a planned or chosen course of travel. For example, "Take this road" (physical path) vs. "Plan your route" (chosen course).

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Road" is as a noun. It denotes a physical pathway for travel, but it can also function metaphorically to represent a course or direction, like the "road to success". Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "Road" is a common noun that refers to a physical pathway for travel, but it can also be used metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms that this word is correct and frequently used in written English. As a noun, "Road" functions to identify routes and paths, whether literal or figurative, making it suitable for a wide range of communication contexts, mostly in News & Media, Travel, and Sport. To ensure clarity, it's essential to distinguish "Road" from similar terms like "route" or "street". By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use "Road" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Route

Focuses more on the planned or chosen course of travel.

Pathway

Suggests a more literal and often smaller path, sometimes metaphorical.

Thoroughfare

Emphasizes the function of the road as a passage through an area.

Avenue

Implies a wide, often tree-lined road, usually in a town or city.

Street

Typically refers to a road in a built-up area with houses and buildings.

Course

Refers to the direction or path that something or someone moves along.

Journey

Focuses on the act of traveling from one place to another.

Passage

Highlights the act of passing through or along something.

Direction

Emphasizes the line along which something moves or points, without necessarily implying a physical path.

Track

Suggests a rough or less formal road, often used in rural areas.

FAQs

How can I use "Road" in a sentence?

You can use "Road" to refer to a physical path for travel, as in, "The road was bumpy." It can also be used metaphorically to mean a course of action, such as, "The "road to success" is not easy."

What are some synonyms for "Road"?

Some synonyms for "Road" include "route", "pathway", "street" and "thoroughfare". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "Road" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, "Road" is often used metaphorically to describe a course of action or a path in life. For example, "He chose a different "road" in his career" is perfectly acceptable.

What is the difference between "Road" and "Street"?

"Road" generally refers to a way for traveling between places, while "Street" usually implies a road within a town or city, typically lined with buildings.