major intersection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major intersection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or important crossing point of two or more roads or streets. Example: "The new shopping center is located near the major intersection of Main Street and Elm Avenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Catholic schools are a major intersection site.

The New York Times

Then, all of a sudden, we arrived at a major intersection that was submerged.

The New Yorker

Dozens of people had gathered on the sidewalk by a major intersection down the street.

The New York Times

[NPR, The Oregonian] Hundreds of protesters blocked a major intersection in the Los Angeles financial district.

The New York Times

He and Silvia were circling the neighborhood when they spotted her, in tattered clothes, staggering around at a major intersection.

The New Yorker

The blast happened near a major intersection in Tayaran Square, a busy commercial area usually filled with markets.

The Guardian

He and others focused on the corner of Hollywood and Highland, a major intersection ripe for commercial development.

The New York Times

In Chicago, protesters had a sit-in outside the mayor's office, and in Cleveland a crowd blocked a major intersection.

The New York Times

If you plan to use AC Transit, the closest major intersection is at University Avenue and Shattuck Avenue.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Protesters filled public parks and blocked major intersections.

The Guardian

Sentries established roadblocks at all major intersections and searched cars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing directions or locations, use "major intersection" to clearly identify a prominent and easily recognizable point. Providing cross-street names enhances clarity. For example: "Meet me at the major intersection of Main and Elm."

Common error

Avoid using "major intersection" when a simpler landmark or description suffices. Overusing the term can make directions sound unnecessarily complicated for locations that aren't genuinely significant intersections. Instead use simple descriptive terms like: "corner of the street"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major intersection" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and describe a specific type of location. As Ludwig shows, it's often used in news reports and academic writing to pinpoint locations of events or landmarks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major intersection" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a significant crossing of roads. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media, and academic contexts, serving to provide clear geographic references. While highly functional, writers should avoid overuse and opt for simpler descriptions when appropriate. The analysis shows the phrase is neutral in register, fitting diverse professional contexts. Alternative phrases like "key crossroads" or "important junction" can be used in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key crossroads

Replaces "intersection" with "crossroads", emphasizing the meeting of different paths.

important junction

Substitutes "intersection" with "junction", highlighting the joining of routes.

significant crossing

Uses "crossing" instead of "intersection", focusing on the act of traversing.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the meeting point.

principal interchange

Replaces "intersection" with "interchange", suggesting a more complex road system.

primary convergence

Focuses on the act of coming together at a central point.

central hub

Describes the intersection as a focal point of activity.

focal point of traffic

Highlights the intersection's role in managing traffic flow.

busy traffic node

Implies a location with a high volume of traffic.

strategic crossroads

Highlights the strategic importance of the crossroads location.

FAQs

How can I use "major intersection" in a sentence?

You can use "major intersection" to describe a significant crossing point of roads, such as: "The accident occurred at a major intersection downtown" or "The new development is located near the major intersection of Highway 1 and Main Street."

What's a more formal way to say "major intersection"?

In a more formal context, consider using phrases like "key crossroads" or "important junction" as alternatives to "major intersection". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

What are some other phrases similar to "major intersection"?

Similar phrases include "key crossroads", "important junction", or "significant crossing". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify that an intersection is a "major" one?

No, specifying an intersection as "major" is only necessary when its size, importance, or complexity is relevant to the context. If any intersection will do, simply using "intersection" is usually sufficient.