desolate crossroads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desolate crossroads" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lonely or abandoned intersection, often evoking a sense of isolation or emptiness. Example: "As she stood at the desolate crossroads, she felt the weight of her decisions pressing down on her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Or maybe as shimmering signposts at a desolate crossroads.

The New York Times - Magazine

The possibility of surrender was also discussed at Dashti Abdan, a desolate crossroads north of Kunduz.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was before everything happened: before Gabrielle became a celebrated actor, perhaps best known for her TV roles in The Brothers, UFO and Crossroads; before Nick recorded the three romantic, desolate albums that brought him only posthumous fame.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The floor is desolate.

The New York Times

Her expression became desolate.

The New Yorker

The desolate eyes.

The New York Times

I'm Desolate.

The New Yorker

Crossroads America.

The Guardian - Travel

Desolate lemons, hold.

The New Yorker

It's very desolate.

The New York Times - Travel

A desolate place.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desolate crossroads" to evoke a sense of loneliness, abandonment, or a critical juncture in a narrative, especially when setting a scene or describing a character's emotional state. Be aware that it may evoke cliché.

Common error

Avoid using "desolate crossroads" too frequently in your writing, as it can become a cliché. Consider using synonyms or more descriptive language to convey the same meaning in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desolate crossroads" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. The adjective "desolate" describes the state of the "crossroads", indicating emptiness and abandonment. As seen in Ludwig, it is often used to set a somber or critical tone.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desolate crossroads" is a grammatically correct phrase used to convey loneliness and abandonment. As noted by Ludwig, it functions as an adjectival phrase, commonly found in news and media contexts to describe physical locations or figurative situations. Although it effectively evokes a specific mood, overuse can lead to cliché, suggesting writers might consider alternative descriptive language. Remember to employ "desolate crossroads" thoughtfully to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desolate junction

Uses a synonym for "crossroads" to maintain a similar meaning.

abandoned crossroads

Highlights the deserted state of the crossroads.

lonely crossroads

Highlights the feeling of solitude at the intersection.

desolate road junction

Specifies the location as a road junction while retaining the feeling of desolation.

isolated crossroads

Emphasizes the separation from civilization.

abandoned intersection

Focuses on the physical characteristic of being deserted.

bleak intersection

Emphasizes the depressing and unwelcoming nature of the location.

isolated junction

Emphasizes the feeling of being cut off from everything.

empty intersection

Focuses on the absence of activity or people.

forlorn meeting point

Stresses the sadness and hopelessness of the place.

FAQs

How can I use "desolate crossroads" in a sentence?

You can use "desolate crossroads" to describe a physical location or a figurative situation. For example, "The character stood at a "desolate crossroads", unsure of which path to take", or "The old town had become a "desolate crossroads" after the factory closed".

What does "desolate crossroads" mean?

"Desolate crossroads" refers to a place where two or more roads meet that is deserted, lonely, and often in poor condition. Figuratively, it can represent a critical decision point in life.

What are some synonyms for "desolate crossroads"?

Some synonyms for "desolate crossroads" include "abandoned intersection", "isolated junction", and "lonely crossroads".

Is "desolate crossroads" a common phrase?

While grammatically sound, "desolate crossroads" is not exceedingly common. It's usage may be interpreted as literary or symbolic, especially if overused. More common alternatives to convey the same ideas are "abandoned intersection" or "lonely crossroads".