blocks traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blocks traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is obstructing or hindering the flow of vehicles on a road. Example: "The fallen tree blocks traffic on the main road, causing significant delays for commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

That blocks traffic.

The New York Times

Archives|SLEEPS IN AUTO; FINED $20.; Judge Says Nap That Blocks Traffic Ought to Be Expensive.

The New York Times

SLEEPS IN AUTO; FINED $20.; Judge Says Nap That Blocks Traffic Ought to Be Expensive.

The New York Times

The committee chairman, Representative James L. Oberstar of Minnesota, said in a statement that illegal parking blocks traffic and creates unsafe conditions.

The New York Times

While marked and unmarked police cars line the parking lots and a barrier blocks traffic out front, prominent signage does not indicate that it is an official police facility.

The Guardian

More important, though, he said, the claim that he blocks traffic misses the whole point of his endeavor, which is to question the ingrained primacy of the destructive, polluting automobile.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Cif blocks trafficking of Perforin-2.

eLife

"They were blocking traffic".

The New York Times

They block traffic.

The New York Times

Nineteen strikers were arrested for blocking traffic.

The New Yorker

They wander the streets and block traffic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on traffic incidents, be specific about what "blocks traffic". For instance, specify "a fallen tree blocks traffic" instead of just saying "there's a traffic jam".

Common error

While "blocks traffic" is acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from using more precise terms like "impedes traffic flow" or "disrupts vehicular movement" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blocks traffic" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing an action or state that impedes the movement of vehicles. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blocks traffic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that describes the obstruction of vehicular movement. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While versatile, its neutral register makes it suitable for news reports and general communication, but formal contexts may benefit from more precise alternatives like "impedes traffic flow". Its frequency is common with heavy use in News & Media sources. Remember to be specific about what is actually blocking traffic for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstructs the road

Focuses on the physical obstruction of the road itself, rather than the effect on traffic.

impedes traffic flow

Emphasizes the slowing down or hindering of the traffic's movement.

disrupts the flow of traffic

Highlights the disturbance and interruption of the normal traffic pattern.

causes traffic congestion

Specifically points out the result of the blockage, leading to a buildup of traffic.

halts traffic

Indicates a complete stop of the traffic movement.

restricts vehicular movement

A more formal way of saying that vehicles cannot move freely.

creates a road closure

Implies a complete and official halting of traffic on a road.

makes the road impassable

Highlights that the road is not able to be travelled on because of a blockage.

hinders movement of vehicles

Similar to impeding traffic, but with a slightly more formal tone.

creates an obstruction for vehicles

General term for creating something that prevents movement for vehicles.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "blocks traffic"?

When something "blocks traffic", it means it is obstructing the road or highway, preventing vehicles from passing through. This can be due to accidents, construction, protests, or natural disasters.

What can I say instead of "blocks traffic"?

You can use alternatives like "impedes traffic flow", "obstructs the road", or "disrupts the flow of traffic" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something "blocks traffic"?

Yes, it's correct to say something "blocks traffic". It's a commonly used and easily understandable phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Which is correct, "blocks traffic" or "is blocking traffic"?

Both "blocks traffic" and "is blocking traffic" can be correct, depending on the context. "Blocks traffic" is a simple present tense, used for general statements. "Is blocking traffic" is present continuous, used for something happening now.