a petrol station

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a petrol station" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a place where fuel is sold for vehicles, commonly found in many countries. Example: "I need to stop at a petrol station to fill up my car before we continue our road trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Half a mile down the road, there's a petrol station.

The New Yorker

Quiktrip, a petrol station, was picked clean and burned.

The Economist

She pulled into a petrol station to call him.

The Guardian

There's a school, a petrol station and a clinic.

The Guardian

You pass a petrol station which was once Sarehole Farm.

The Guardian - Books

Arbi, 27, a petrol station attendant, knows this well.

The Guardian

The pair rob a petrol station north-east of Paris.

The Guardian

I see a petrol station in the distance.

The Guardian - Film

Nearby is a petrol station and a delicatessen.

The Guardian

One played the part of the seller of a petrol station and the other the buyer.

The Economist

The tornado is shown taking tiles off the roofs of houses and damaging a petrol station.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a petrol station" when writing for a British English audience or in a context where British English is preferred. In American English contexts, use "a gas station".

Common error

Avoid using "gas station" in British English writing or speech, as "petrol" is the standard term for gasoline in the UK and other Commonwealth countries. Always match the fuel terminology to the regional audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a petrol station" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a place where fuel is sold for motor vehicles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a petrol station" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, primarily within British English, to denote a place where fuel is sold for vehicles. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is correct and common, especially in news and media contexts. Remember to use "a gas station" instead when writing for an American English audience. Be mindful of regional variations to ensure clear communication. "A petrol station" is a straightforward term with clear implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gas station

This is the American English equivalent of "a petrol station".

a fuel station

This is a more generic term for a place to get fuel.

a filling station

This term emphasizes the function of refueling vehicles.

a refuelling station

Similar to "filling station", this highlights the refueling aspect.

a service station

This term implies additional services beyond just fuel.

a place to buy petrol

This is a more descriptive phrase.

a roadside gas stop

This emphasizes the location and purpose of a quick stop.

a convenience store with gas pumps

This describes the common combination of a store and fuel service.

a spot to fill up

This is a more informal way of saying a place to refuel.

a fuelling point

A more technical or formal term for a refueling location.

FAQs

What's the American English equivalent of "a petrol station"?

The American English equivalent is "a gas station".

What other phrases can I use instead of "a petrol station"?

You can use alternatives like "a filling station", "a service station", or "a fuel station" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a petrol station"?

Yes, "a petrol station" is grammatically correct and widely used in British English and other Commonwealth countries.

What is the difference between "a petrol station" and "a gas station"?

"A petrol station" is the standard term in British English, while "a gas station" is the standard term in American English. They refer to the same type of establishment.