direction of traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'direction of traffic' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to the movement of vehicles along a roadway, but can also be used to refer to the movement of people in large crowds. For example: "Police officers were stationed at the intersection to help keep the direction of traffic flowing smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The direction of traffic is crucial to their business.

The New York Times

Another looming issue is the direction of traffic on Clinton Street.

The New York Times - Food

It helped that he packed a hammer blow to go with the masterful direction of traffic.

The Guardian - Sport

This is where the Beijing-Pyongyang overnight sleeper train crosses the border; the direction of traffic is alternated.

The Guardian

This might seem a trifling matter, but until 1994, the direction of traffic on Clinton moved north.

The New York Times - Magazine

He seems to be guided by an inner GPS, drawing arrows on the roads to indicate the direction of traffic.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The results, therefore, point in the direction of traffic-related pollution being an atherogenic health hazard.

Plosone

Most of the A3 motorway rest areas are accessible to both directions of traffic.

Wikipedia

The two directions of traffic on the Capitol Loop are reunited at the two-way Michigan Avenue.

Wikipedia

Both directions of traffic were routed along US 77's old alignment while the bridges were repaired.

Wikipedia

Both directions of traffic were shut down for up to 20 minutes before authorities began to reopen lanes.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing traffic regulations or safety, ensure clarity by specifying the mode of transport (e.g., vehicular traffic, bicycle traffic, pedestrian traffic) alongside the "direction of traffic".

Common error

Do not assume that "traffic" inherently refers to vehicles. Clarify the type of traffic, such as pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular, to prevent misinterpretations regarding the "direction of traffic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direction of traffic" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the orientation or course in which vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians are moving. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "direction of traffic" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the movement patterns of vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used. Its usage spans various registers, from news reports to scientific studies, though it is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying the type of traffic (e.g., vehicular, pedestrian) can avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "traffic flow direction" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traffic flow direction

Reorders the words to emphasize the flow aspect.

traffic orientation

Uses a different noun to describe the arrangement of traffic.

movement of vehicles

Focuses on the vehicles themselves and their motion.

course of traffic

Emphasizes the path that traffic takes.

flow of vehicular traffic

Adds the adjective "vehicular" for clarity, focusing on vehicle traffic.

traffic routing

Highlights the planned or managed aspect of traffic movement.

line of traffic

Emphasizes the linear aspect of traffic arrangement.

stream of traffic

Uses a metaphor to describe the continuous movement of traffic.

prevailing traffic pattern

Describes the most common or typical traffic direction.

general traffic direction

Uses a more general term

FAQs

What does "direction of traffic" mean?

The "direction of traffic" refers to the designated or prevailing way that vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians are supposed to move along a specific route or roadway.

How do you use "direction of traffic" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe regulations (e.g., "Cyclists must follow the "direction of traffic""), changes in traffic patterns (e.g., "The city altered the "direction of traffic" to alleviate congestion"), or safety concerns (e.g., "Always check the "direction of traffic" before crossing the street").

What's an alternative to saying "direction of traffic"?

Alternatives include "traffic flow direction", "traffic orientation", or "movement of vehicles", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to say "directions of traffic"?

While "direction of traffic" is commonly used to refer to a singular, prevailing direction, "directions of traffic" can be used to refer to multiple or opposing flows of traffic, such as on a two-way street. However, using a term like "traffic flow direction" might be clearer.