busy streets

USAGE SUMMARY

"busy streets" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "busy streets" to describe a scene or area in which there is a lot of activity and movement. For example, "The morning rush hour was in full swing, with busy streets of commuters hurrying to their destinations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many businesses remained closed, and normally busy streets were completely deserted.

The New York Times

Cafés were busy; streets were clogged with traffic.The impression of business as usual was illusory.

The Economist

Usually busy streets were deserted.

The New York Times

Peace blanketed our busy streets.

The New York Times

Old men sit along busy streets asking for money.

The New York Times

They do it in restaurants and while crossing busy streets.

The New York Times - Health

For example, urbanites walking busy streets often experience "cognitive load".

The Guardian

They are in parking lots, not on busy streets.

The New York Times

"There's food everywhere," he narrated through the busy streets.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Vacant lots still punctuate busy streets like missing teeth in a punched-out mouth.

Independent

Teenagers do wheelies on their motorcycles down busy streets, and restaurants stay open till midnight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific time, such as rush hour, use "busy streets" to vividly depict the increased activity and congestion.

Common error

While "busy streets" is widely understood, in formal writing consider alternatives like "high-traffic thoroughfares" or "congested roadways" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "busy streets" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig shows how it commonly describes locations characterized by high levels of activity and traffic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "busy streets" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase for describing roads filled with activity, particularly in urban settings. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While versatile, remember to consider the formality of your writing and opt for alternatives like "congested roadways" in more formal settings. The phrase effectively conveys the hustle and bustle of city life, finding frequent use in news, science, and general-interest publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bustling roads

Replaces "streets" with "roads" and "busy" with "bustling", emphasizing lively activity.

crowded thoroughfares

Substitutes "streets" with "thoroughfares", a more formal term, and "busy" with "crowded", focusing on high density.

congested roadways

Uses "roadways" instead of "streets" and "congested" to highlight traffic-related busyness.

lively avenues

Replaces "streets" with "avenues" and "busy" with "lively", suggesting a vibrant atmosphere.

packed lanes

Uses "lanes" instead of "streets" and "packed" for "busy", indicating a confined space with high traffic.

teeming sidewalks

Shifts focus from the street to the sidewalks, implying many pedestrians rather than vehicles and "teeming" as the synonym.

hectic cityscapes

Broadens the scope to the overall urban scene, with "hectic" capturing the frenetic energy and activity of "busy streets".

vibrant urban roads

Combines "vibrant" and "urban" to depict bustling city streets, adding a nuance of cultural richness and activity.

active commercial streets

Highlights the commercial aspect of "busy streets", implying a focus on business and trade.

trafficked roads

Emphasizes the traffic volume on the roads, using a more passive voice and direct term for cars.

FAQs

How can I use "busy streets" in a sentence?

You can use "busy streets" to describe a location with a lot of traffic and activity. For example, "The accident caused major delays on the "busy streets" during the morning commute".

What are some alternatives to "busy streets"?

Alternatives include "bustling roads", "crowded thoroughfares", or "congested roadways" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "busiest streets" instead of "busy streets"?

Yes, "busiest streets" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the streets with the highest levels of activity compared to others. "Busy streets" simply indicates that the streets are active.

What is the difference between "busy streets" and "lively streets"?

"Busy streets" primarily refers to the high volume of traffic and activity, while "lively streets" suggests a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, potentially with social activity and entertainment.