heavy traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

'heavy traffic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a situation in which there is a lot of traffic, such as cars, on the roads. For example, "The rush hour commute this morning was made worse by heavy traffic on the motorway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Heavy traffic, constant changes in elevation.

The New Yorker

Use alternate routes and expect heavy traffic.

University of California, Berkeley

We pick our way through heavy traffic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All of these sites receive heavy traffic.

The New York Times - Tech

Six lanes of heavy traffic whiz by.

The New York Times

The heavy traffic left its mark.

The Guardian

"It was moving slowly though heavy traffic.

The New York Times

The Heavy Traffic Asymptotics". ​Eschenfeldt, Patrick, and David Gamarnik.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Perhaps only blocks with heavy traffic will prove profitable.

The New York Times

It shows heavy traffic ahead — bottlenecks, road works, bloody accidents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This case looks at capacity planning, with the heavy-traffic Victoria Station as its primary focus.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use specific location names or road numbers to provide a detailed context about the "heavy traffic" you are describing, like 'heavy traffic on I-95' or 'heavy traffic near Times Square'.

Common error

Avoid attributing unrelated issues solely to "heavy traffic". While traffic can exacerbate problems, ensure you accurately identify its specific role versus other contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy traffic" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the condition of having a large number of vehicles on the road. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heavy traffic" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe congested road conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, academic research, and everyday conversation. When writing about "heavy traffic", consider the specific impact, such as delays or pollution. For alternatives, consider "traffic congestion", "peak traffic", or "bumper-to-bumper traffic" for slightly different nuances. Be careful not to attribute unrelated issues solely to "heavy traffic", and always aim for clear and accurate descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traffic jam

Common term for a situation where traffic is heavily congested and slow-moving or stopped.

intense traffic

Emphasizes the high degree or strength of traffic.

traffic congestion

Formal term indicating a state of crowded roads.

bumper-to-bumper traffic

A descriptive phrase emphasizing the close proximity of vehicles.

congested roads

Focuses specifically on the road condition being congested.

volume of traffic

Focuses on the quantity or amount of vehicles.

peak traffic

Refers to traffic at its most intense or busy periods.

rush hour

Specifically indicates the hours when traffic is at its peak due to commuting.

slow traffic

Highlights the slow pace of movement due to congestion.

gridlock

Implies a complete standstill in traffic.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy traffic" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy traffic" to describe congested road conditions. For example, "The accident caused "heavy traffic" on the highway".

What are some alternatives to saying "heavy traffic"?

Alternatives include "traffic congestion", "peak traffic", or "bumper-to-bumper traffic" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "heavy traffic"?

Yes, "heavy traffic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a high volume of vehicles on the road.

What factors contribute to "heavy traffic"?

Factors contributing to "heavy traffic" can include rush hour, accidents, road construction, and special events.