dirty streets

USAGE SUMMARY

"dirty streets" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe streets that are unclean or covered in trash or debris. Example: "The city council has been receiving complaints about the dirty streets in downtown. They have promised to increase street cleaning services to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did dirty streets save Vangelis Kapatos?

The New Yorker

Empty lots, cracked sidewalks and dirty streets surrounded her.

The New York Times

"I don't want to complain about dirty streets.

The New York Times

Pawnshops, nail parlours and liquor stores line dirty streets.

The Guardian

Street-cleaning regulations that left us with both tickets and dirty streets.

The New York Times

The Heights "was wracked by crime, racial and ethnic tensions, dirty streets, and troubled schools," Snyder writes.

The New Yorker

"It will mean dirty streets, storage problems, reduced income from tourism and health hazards".

The New York Times

How many infections are brought to the American hospitals from subways, buses and dirty streets?

The New York Times

By Amy Davidson Sorkin January 3, 2011 Did dirty streets save Vangelis Kapatos?

The New Yorker

Other than that it's just dirty streets, crippled pigeons, spooky industrial dead-ends, railway sidings and occasional stabbings.

Independent

"And we found that we didn't need to have the kids out there hanging out in these dirty streets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dirty streets" in your writing, consider the specific type of dirtiness you want to convey. Is it litter, grime, or something else? This can help you choose more descriptive and impactful language.

Common error

Avoid using "dirty streets" as a blanket term for urban decay. Be specific about the elements contributing to the dirtiness, such as "littered sidewalks" or "grime-covered buildings", to provide a more vivid and accurate picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirty streets" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "dirty", modifying the noun "streets", to denote streets characterized by a lack of cleanliness. Ludwig provides examples showing it describing physical locations and social issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dirty streets" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe streets that are unclean or littered. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to depict physical environments or highlight related societal concerns. While generally neutral in tone, its usage should be tailored to the specific context, considering more formal alternatives for certain situations. When using "dirty streets", aim for specificity by indicating what kind of dirtiness is observed to create a more compelling image.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsanitary roads

Emphasizes the lack of hygiene and potential health hazards of the streets.

filthy thoroughfares

Uses more formal language to describe streets that are heavily soiled.

littered lanes

Focuses specifically on the presence of scattered rubbish and debris.

grimy pavements

Highlights the dirtiness of the paved areas where people walk.

squalid roadways

Implies a state of neglect and wretchedness in the condition of the streets.

polluted avenues

Suggests contamination of the streets with harmful substances.

unkempt urban areas

Broadens the scope to include general areas within a city that are poorly maintained.

neglected city streets

Highlights the lack of care and maintenance given to the streets by authorities.

unswept boulevards

Focuses on the absence of street cleaning, resulting in accumulated dirt and debris.

trash-filled roads

Emphasizes the presence of garbage and refuse lining the streets.

FAQs

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

You can use "dirty streets" to describe areas with visible litter and grime. For example: "The "dirty streets" of the old town were a stark contrast to the pristine parks nearby."

What are some alternatives to "dirty streets"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unsanitary roads", "filthy thoroughfares", or "littered lanes".

What connotations does the phrase "dirty streets" carry?

The phrase "dirty streets" often implies neglect, poverty, and potentially unsafe conditions. It can also evoke a sense of urban decay or social problems.

Is it appropriate to use "dirty streets" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "dirty streets" might be considered informal for certain types of formal writing. In those cases, consider using more elevated language like "unsanitary urban environment" or similar alternatives.