avenue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avenue" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
It is typically used to refer to a wide street in a city or as a metaphor for a method or approach to achieving something. Example: "We explored every avenue to find a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

He asked Belmondo and Seberg to come for a quick walk down a quieter stretch of the avenue away from the crowds, getting his famous shot of them ambling along chatting.

The Guardian - Arts

Would your writers not wish to pursue any avenue that might benefit a child who has suffered harm at the hands of another person?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

35 avenue George V, Etretat, [phone], etretat-hotel-angleterre.com, doubles from €69 The vast bay where the Somme river comes out into the sea is one of France's most bewitching wetlands, and overlooking this sandy horizon is the spectacular Tourelles hotel.

The Guardian - Travel

Via Reuters: Meeting for breakfast, Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and his Democratic counterpart in the Senate, Patty Murray, said they would explore every avenue to reach a longer-term deal to reduce deficits and replace automatic "sequester" spending cuts.

The Guardian

Police cordoned off a ten-block-long portion of the avenue.

The Guardian

The plans for the administrative capital of New Delhi were made by Edwin Lutyens, who saw to it that the eastern end of the ceremonial avenue (Kingsway then, Rajpath now) aligned with the Purana Qila.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

43 Avenue Monplaisir, villacameline.fr There is no better way to get around Nice than on the modern tram, and every Friday night visitors can join a guided tour that combines a trip round the city while a guide explains – in French and English – the 13 monumental sculptures, many bewitchingly illuminated, that spread all over town.

The Guardian - Travel

At 1am in the morning, t the capital's longest street, Val-e-Asr Val-e-Asr Val-e-Asr Avenueth cars, wash men and women waving flagstill flinedng V-for-victory signs from open withows.

The Guardian

Arguably, the problems at Peabody Avenue, which can also be found in countless estates around the country, could best be tackled by talented youth and community workers who command the respect of young people.

The Guardian

With its $95m penthouse, 432 Park Avenue tops out just shy of 427m.

The Guardian

Workers with ConEdison, the gas and electric utility, had visited the Second Avenue site just more than an hour before the suspected explosion to inspect gas work being conducted by a private company, de Blasio said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "avenue" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to a method or means of achieving something.

Common error

Avoid using "avenue" excessively in figurative contexts when simpler words like "method" or "approach" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "avenue" is as a noun. It commonly denotes a broad street in a town or city. According to Ludwig, the examples confirm this, showing usage in both literal and figurative senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Travel

15%

Opinion

7%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Film

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "avenue" is a common noun that typically refers to a broad street, often lined with trees, or a method of approach. As confirmed by Ludwig, "avenue" is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. It appears most often in News & Media, Travel, and Opinion pieces. While generally neutral in register, "avenue" can be overused in figurative contexts when simpler words like "method" or "approach" might be more appropriate. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "boulevard" when referring to a street, or "approach" when referring to a method. In summary, "avenue" is a versatile word with a range of applications, but mindful use ensures clarity and avoids unnecessary formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boulevard

Refers specifically to a wide street, often in a city, similar to one common meaning of "avenue".

thoroughfare

Emphasizes the function of a street as a route for travel.

thorough way

Similar to thoroughfare, highlights unrestricted passage.

thoroughpass

Similar to thoroughfare and thorough way, this is mainly UK usage and is not applicable.

thoroughway

Similar to thoroughfare and thorough way, highlights the possibility to access the space.

street

A general term for a public road in a city or town.

thorough-way

Alternative spelling of "thorough way", but not as common.

method

Focuses on "avenue" as a means to achieve something, shifting from physical to abstract.

approach

Similar to "method", highlighting a way of dealing with a situation.

path

Suggests a course of action or a route to a destination, both literal and figurative.

FAQs

How to use "avenue" in a sentence?

You can use "avenue" to refer to a broad street, as in "The parade marched down Fifth Avenue". It can also refer to a method or means, such as "We explored every "method" to solve the problem".

What can I say instead of "avenue" when referring to a street?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "street", "boulevard", or "road". "Boulevard" implies a wide, often landscaped street.

What can I say instead of "avenue" when referring to a method?

Alternatives include "approach", ""method"", "path", or "route". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "avenue" to describe a small, residential street?

While technically not incorrect, "avenue" typically implies a broader, more significant street. Using "street" or "road" would be more appropriate for a smaller residential area.