a main thoroughfare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main thoroughfare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a primary road or route that is heavily traveled, often serving as a key passageway in a city or area. Example: "The new shopping center is located on a main thoroughfare, making it easily accessible to customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were right by a main thoroughfare.

The New York Times

We're on a main thoroughfare so people drop in and talk to me.

The New York Times

Two main goals prompted the improvements now under way on a main thoroughfare, Coal Creek Parkway.

The New York Times

Wander down a main thoroughfare in Azabu Juban near Roppongi and you might stumble across it.

The New York Times - Travel

The Strand, a main thoroughfare with shops, restaurants and bars, is about 20 minutes away.

The New York Times

The deposed king took up residence in a villa on Via Cassia, a main thoroughfare leading north out of Rome.

The New York Times

The two universities are separated by a wall on Thalathini Street, a main thoroughfare in Gaza City.

The New York Times

Mr. Arofiq, 25, entered the Educational Institution of Indonesia-Saudi Arabia, housed in a gleaming building on a main thoroughfare.

The New York Times

"There were farms all along Richmond Avenue," he said, referring to what is now a main thoroughfare.

The New York Times

There are two tables outside, for those intrepid enough to endure the noise and fumes of a main thoroughfare.

The New York Times

Russell Square tube station is located just off the square and the area is a main thoroughfare for buses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, use “a main thoroughfare” to indicate its accessibility and prominence within a city or region. For example, “The restaurant is located on "a main thoroughfare", making it easy to find”.

Common error

Avoid using "a main thoroughfare" when describing a small, quiet street. This term is best reserved for roads with significant traffic and importance within a community.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main thoroughfare" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a prepositional complement, modifying a noun to describe the location or accessibility of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a main thoroughfare" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a primary and heavily traveled road. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to geographically orient and highlight the accessibility of a location. While suitable for formal writing, it maintains a neutral register applicable in various contexts. Alternatives include "a major artery" and "a primary route".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary route

Emphasizes the function of the road as a path for travel.

a key road

Uses simpler terms to convey the essential nature of the route.

a major roadway

A more formal substitute for 'street' or 'road'.

a principal street

Substitutes 'main' and 'thoroughfare' with more common synonyms, focusing on the importance of the street.

a central avenue

Highlights the location and importance of the avenue within a town or city.

a major artery

Replaces 'thoroughfare' with a more metaphorical term, 'artery', implying vital importance.

a busy street

Focuses on the level of activity and traffic on the street.

a commercial street

Emphasizes the presence of businesses and commerce along the street.

a trunk road

A British English term for a major road, often connecting cities.

a main drag

An informal term for the main street in a town or city.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a main thoroughfare" in a sentence?

You can replace "a main thoroughfare" with alternatives such as "a primary route", "a major roadway", or "a principal street", depending on the context.

What does it mean when a street is described as "a main thoroughfare"?

Describing a street as "a main thoroughfare" indicates that it is a major, heavily used road that serves as an important route through an area or city.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a main thoroughfare" in formal writing?

Yes, "a main thoroughfare" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing the infrastructure or geography of a place. It is a neutral and widely understood term.

What is the difference between "a main thoroughfare" and "a side street"?

"A main thoroughfare" is a primary, busy road, while a side street is a smaller, often residential street that branches off from main roads. Main thoroughfares typically carry more traffic and are more commercially developed than side streets.