obstruction to traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obstruction to traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe anything that hinders or blocks the flow of vehicles or pedestrians on a road or pathway. Example: "The fallen tree created a significant obstruction to traffic, causing delays for commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is too much obstruction to traffic".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a lethal obstruction to progress.

Forbes

Willful obstruction to good faith, democratically minded political interrogation really isn't a sustainable strategy.

TechCrunch

"For some at Twitter, diversity is an obstruction to avoid," Miley wrote.

TechCrunch

For some at Twitter, diversity is an obstruction to avoid.

Huffington Post

In extreme cases, it may lead to massive obstruction of traffic and direct damages to the road structures themselves and indirect damages to the economic activity and development of the region.

Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment

Still, it was not open to traffic.

The New York Times

The Jets seem to traffic in it.

The New York Times - Sports

Meetings starting late, usually due to traffic.

Forbes

The highway opened to traffic on July 20 , 1935

Wikipedia

It opened to traffic the same day.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events causing traffic problems, use "obstruction to traffic" to clearly indicate the specific nature of the disruption, as opposed to more general terms like "delay".

Common error

Avoid using "obstruction to traffic" when referring to factors that indirectly influence traffic, such as weather conditions; instead, reserve it for physical blockages or direct interferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obstruction to traffic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a condition or situation that impedes the normal flow of vehicles or pedestrians.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obstruction to traffic" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes anything that blocks or hinders the flow of vehicles or pedestrians. Ludwig confirms its acceptability. While not extremely common, it's versatile enough for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general information settings. Related phrases include "traffic blockage" and "traffic impediment", but the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, reserve the phrase for situations where there is a direct and tangible impediment to the flow of traffic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traffic blockage

Replaces 'obstruction' with 'blockage', focusing on the state of being blocked.

traffic impediment

Uses 'impediment' instead of 'obstruction', suggesting a hindrance or obstacle.

impeded traffic flow

Focuses on the flow of traffic being affected.

traffic congestion

Refers specifically to the condition of overcrowded traffic, hindering movement.

road blockage

A more general term referring to something blocking the road.

traffic disruption

Highlights the interruption or disturbance to the normal traffic flow.

hindrance to traffic

Emphasizes the act of hindering or impeding traffic.

obstacle to traffic

Highlights the presence of an obstacle affecting traffic.

traffic jam

A common term for a long line of vehicles that are moving very slowly or not at all.

interruption to traffic

Focuses on the traffic being interrupted.

FAQs

What does "obstruction to traffic" mean?

The phrase "obstruction to traffic" refers to something that blocks or hinders the movement of vehicles or pedestrians on a road or pathway.

What are some synonyms for "obstruction to traffic"?

Alternatives include "traffic blockage", "traffic impediment", or "traffic congestion" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "obstruction to traffic" in a sentence?

You might say, "The fallen tree caused a major "obstruction to traffic" on the highway", or "The construction work is creating an "obstruction to traffic" during peak hours".

Is "obstruction to traffic" formal or informal?

The phrase "obstruction to traffic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more casual conversation might favor simpler terms like "traffic jam".