intercity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word intercity is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe transport or movements between cities, particularly via a train service. For example, 'The intercity train service was running on time'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He pointed out that the Dublin-Heathrow route was the second busiest intercity airlink in the world and that was why the Aer Lingus slots in London would remain.

The Guardian - Business

However, Virgin Trains, the main long-distance intercity operator on the west coast, has recommended passengers avoid travel if possible.

The Guardian

The state also runs intercity bus services, utilities and other services, so residents can now book tickets and pay electricity bills or taxes on the phone, or check in with doctors or dentists.Residents are also encouraged to report local problems through the app.

The Economist

In October Congress reauthorised Amtrak for five years, and included plans to advance intercity and high-speed passenger rail.

The Economist

So it will cost billions to adapt and upgrade the lines to accommodate both a big rise in freight traffic and an unprecedented burgeoning of intercity passenger services.

The Economist

It loosens Sunday-trading rules, deregulates the intercity coach industry, speeds up labour tribunals and opens up protected professions.Mr Macron's bill is the Socialist government's flagship effort to rid the economy of rigidities that limit growth.

The Economist

A bigger obstacle is the competition provided by intercity trains.

The Economist

Not only would fuel be saved, but emissions could be kept down in town, where people might breathe them, while an internal-combustion engine would provide serious power for intercity driving.

The Economist

Compare that to the just over two hours it now takes to travel the 200 mile journey from London to Liverpool.Why not prioritise the improvement of intercity links in the north over HS2, a route which is already decently serving north-south.

The Economist

Bus companies might run convoys of self-piloting coaches down the motorways, providing competition for intercity railways.

The Economist

Those running, say, busy intercity or commuter routes, would eventually be able to pay a fee to the government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing transportation services, use "intercity" to clearly indicate that the service operates between different cities, as opposed to within a single city.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "intercity" with "international". "Intercity" refers to travel or connections between cities within a country, while "international" refers to travel or connections between different countries.

Linguistic Context

The term "intercity" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something that connects or operates between cities. Ludwig AI validates this through numerous examples where "intercity" describes various modes of transport, such as trains and buses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "intercity" functions as an adjective denoting connections or services between cities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and common usage. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, it maintains a neutral register. To ensure clarity, it's crucial not to confuse "intercity" with terms like "international" or "intracity". Alternatives such as "between cities" can be used depending on the context. Use "intercity" to specify services operating between cities rather than within them.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

between cities

Focuses on the spatial relationship between cities rather than the transportation aspect.

connecting cities

Emphasizes the action of connecting rather than the established route.

city-to-city

A more informal and direct way to express the connection between cities.

long-distance

Highlights the length of the journey between cities, applicable to various modes of transport.

cross-city

Suggests movement across different cities, similar in meaning but less common.

metropolitan

Related to a metropolis or the urban area that encompasses multiple cities.

regional

Refers to a broader geographical area encompassing multiple cities within a region.

urban network

Focuses on the interconnected system of cities and their infrastructure.

commuter

Typically implies regular travel between cities, usually for work.

out-of-town

Suggests travel from one's home city to another, often for leisure or business.

FAQs

How to use "intercity" in a sentence?

You can use "intercity" to describe transportation or services that connect different cities, such as "intercity train" or "intercity bus service".

What's the difference between "intercity" and "intracity"?

"Intercity" refers to connections or travel between different cities, while "intracity" refers to connections or travel within a single city.

What are some alternatives to the word "intercity"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "between cities", "city-to-city", or "long distance" to describe something that connects different cities.

Is "intercity" the same as "international"?

No, "intercity" refers to travel or connections between cities within a country, while "international" refers to travel or connections between different countries.