major road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major road" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or important roadway, often in the context of navigation or transportation. Example: "The detour will take you off the major road and onto a smaller side street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A major road links Gitega with the national capital.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We only have one major road running through both villages".

The New York Times

Among its more beautiful natural treasures, the park boasts the highest major road in the US.

Independent

We are the only store on the major road through town.

The New York Times

Overnight, sounds of gunfire were heard in central Damascus near a major road, Baghdad Street.

The New York Times

Jhalawar is a major road junction and an agricultural market centre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The only major road runs from Neiva in Huila departamento across the Andes to Florencia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major road and rail junction, Narbonne specializes in the trade of Aude wines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Allahabad is a major road and rail hub and is served by a nearby airport.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Located at a major road and rail junction, Sasaram is an agricultural trade centre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I had never known a major road to do that before.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major road" to clearly indicate a primary transportation route when providing directions or describing infrastructure projects.

Common error

Avoid using "major road" interchangeably with terms like "highway" or "freeway" unless they accurately represent the road's characteristics. A "major road" may not always be a high-speed or limited-access route.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major road" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, its usage indicates the identification of a specific type of roadway, emphasizing its significance within a transportation network.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major road" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to identify significant transportation routes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While alternatives like "main road" or "highway" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuances you wish to convey. Using "major road" effectively involves understanding its function in providing clear directions and describing infrastructure, while avoiding over-generalization by considering the road's actual characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main road

Focuses on the primary function of the road as a key route.

highway

Implies a high-speed, long-distance major road.

arterial road

Highlights the role of the road in facilitating traffic flow.

primary route

Emphasizes the road's importance for navigation and travel.

trunk road

Suggests a significant road connecting major population centers.

thoroughfare

General term for a road or street allowing passage.

principal road

Highlights the road's superiority over other local roads.

important road

Stresses the significance of the road in the transportation network.

busy road

Indicates high traffic volume on the road.

strategic road

Highlights the road's importance for defense or economic reasons.

FAQs

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

You can use "major road" to describe important transportation routes, for example: "The accident occurred at the intersection of two "major roads"" or "The new development is located just off a "major road" making it easily accessible."

What's a good alternative to "major road"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "main road", "highway", or "primary route" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to refer to a small, local highway as a "major road"?

While technically possible, it might be more accurate to describe it as a "minor highway" or simply a "local highway" to avoid confusion, as "major road" typically implies a significant thoroughfare.

What factors define a "major road"?

Typically, a ""major road"" is characterized by its high traffic volume, connectivity between significant locations, and role in the regional transportation network.