a police checkpoint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a police checkpoint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a designated location where police officers stop vehicles to check for compliance with laws or regulations, often related to safety or security. Example: "As I drove through the city, I encountered a police checkpoint that required all drivers to show their identification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I pass a police checkpoint.

The Economist

A police checkpoint will be added.

The New York Times

The protesters burned down a police checkpoint, he said.

The New York Times

The car was parked near a police checkpoint.

The Guardian

We approach a police checkpoint as we head downtown.

The Guardian

There was a police checkpoint at the end of our block.

The New York Times

On Sunday in Logar Province, insurgents fired on a police checkpoint and a nearby American base.

The New York Times

Journalists were stopped at a police checkpoint several kilometres from the scene of the shooting.

The Economist

The previous day, the demonstrators burned a police checkpoint, he said.

The New York Times

"Then there's a police checkpoint," a guest services representative explained on the telephone.

The New York Times

We set off in Muftah's jeeps, which soon stopped at a police checkpoint.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "a police checkpoint", be specific about its purpose and location to provide context for the reader. Consider whether it's a routine check or related to a specific event.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "a" when referring to "a police checkpoint" in singular form. Omitting "a" creates grammatical incorrectness in most contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a police checkpoint" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific location where police conduct checks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a place of authority and control. Examples: "We passed "a police checkpoint"", "The protesters burned down "a police checkpoint"".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a police checkpoint" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, primarily found in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that its purpose is to describe a location where law enforcement conducts inspections, often to ensure security. When writing about "a police checkpoint", be specific about its purpose and location for clarity. Remember to include the article "a" for grammatical accuracy. Alternatives like "a roadblock" or "a security control" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a security control

Replaces "police" with "security", broadening the scope to include non-police security personnel.

a vehicle inspection station

Focuses on the inspection aspect of the checkpoint, specifically for vehicles.

a roadblock

Emphasizes the physical barrier aspect of the checkpoint.

a border crossing

Specifies that the checkpoint is located at a border.

an immigration stop

Highlights the immigration-related checks performed at the checkpoint.

a customs post

Focuses on customs inspections conducted at the checkpoint.

a security barrier

Emphasizes the checkpoint's function as a barrier for security purposes.

a traffic stop location

Highlights the location where traffic stops are conducted by the police.

an inspection point

Generalizes the checkpoint to any point where inspections are carried out.

a control point

Uses a more generic term to refer to a place where control is exerted.

FAQs

How can I use "a police checkpoint" in a sentence?

You can use "a police checkpoint" to describe a location where police officers stop vehicles for inspection, such as, "We encountered "a police checkpoint" just outside the city limits."

What are some alternatives to "a police checkpoint"?

Alternatives include "a roadblock", "a security control", or "a vehicle inspection station", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "police checkpoint" without the article "a"?

While "police checkpoint" can be used as a compound noun, it's generally more grammatically correct to use the article "a" when referring to a single instance: "a police checkpoint". Using the article provides more clarity in the sentence.

What is the purpose of "a police checkpoint"?

The purpose of "a police checkpoint" can vary, but it often involves checking for valid licenses, ensuring vehicle safety, or searching for illegal substances or activities. It serves as a security measure.