main thoroughfare

USAGE SUMMARY

"main thoroughfare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a major street, highway, or road that is a primary route of travel. Example: "The accident occurred on the main thoroughfare leading into the city center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Road, Bangalore's main thoroughfare.

The New York Times - Travel

We were right by a main thoroughfare.

The New York Times

Take a right on 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights's main thoroughfare.

The New York Times - Travel

But Beeville's main thoroughfare is making a comeback.

The New York Times

Avenida Paulista, São Paulo's main thoroughfare, sports a single bench.

The Economist

Finish on Radhusesplanaden, Umea's birch-lined main thoroughfare.

Independent

Broad Street, the town's main thoroughfare, was deserted and indifferent.

The New Yorker

The main thoroughfare, John Wilson Street, is totally shut down.

The Guardian

The only businesses along the main thoroughfare are a gift emporium and an art shop.

The New York Times

Avenue Bourguiba, the main thoroughfare in Tunis, is now an all-day debating forum.

The Economist

Wilson made a turn onto Bury Park Road, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main thoroughfare", ensure the context clearly establishes which location or area it refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "main thoroughfare" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "principal route" or "central avenue" to maintain reader interest and avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main thoroughfare" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically identifies or describes a significant road or street within a specific area, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main thoroughfare" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that refers to a principal street or road. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to provide specific geographical context and is prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "principal artery" or "primary route" for stylistic variation. Remember to clearly establish the context of the "main thoroughfare" to avoid ambiguity. Prominent sources such as The New York Times and The Economist frequently utilize this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughfare

A road or route that is open for traffic, essentially the core of the original phrase without the qualifier.

primary route

Focuses on the road being the main way to get from one place to another.

principal street

Highlights the significance of the street in a city or town.

principal artery

Emphasizes the road's function as a vital transportation route, similar to an artery in the body.

chief roadway

Highlights the road's importance as the most significant route.

major road

A more general term, simply indicating a road of significant size and importance.

trunk road

A major road, especially one connecting important places.

central avenue

Specifically refers to a main street, typically in a town or city.

high street

Commonly used in British English to describe the primary shopping street in a town.

main drag

An informal term for the main street in a town, often associated with entertainment or commerce.

FAQs

How can I use "main thoroughfare" in a sentence?

You can use "main thoroughfare" to describe a principal street or road in a town or city. For example, "The parade marched down the "main thoroughfare", drawing large crowds".

What's a synonym for "main thoroughfare"?

Alternatives to "main thoroughfare" include "principal street", "central avenue", or "primary route", depending on the specific context.

Is "main thoroughfare" formal or informal?

"Main thoroughfare" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more informal options like "main drag" might be more appropriate for casual settings.

What is the difference between "main thoroughfare" and "side street"?

A "main thoroughfare" is a major road that carries a lot of traffic, while a "side street" is a smaller, less busy street that branches off from a "main thoroughfare".