right of way

USAGE SUMMARY

"right of way" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to describe a right to make a particular action, or to pass through a certain area. For example, "The car had the right of way, so I had to wait for it to pass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Central's open-cut right of way.

The New Yorker

"The tug had the right of way.

The New York Times

Who would yield the right of way?

The New York Times - Travel

"I give them the right of way".

The New York Times

Pedestrians have the right of way, no matter what.

Cornell University

'It simply and only gives the right of way.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Pedestrians always have the right-of –way.

WikiHow

§ 263.9 Right-of-way in crosswalks.

Cornell University

(4) Acquisition of right-of-way.

Cornell University

But the broad right-of-way remains.

The New York Times

207, related to right-of-way of fishing vessels.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about transportation or legal contexts, ensure you clearly define what entities or individuals possess the "right of way" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming "right of way" automatically grants absolute priority; it often depends on specific circumstances and requires responsible exercise of that right.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right of way" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use to denote a legal or customary entitlement, especially regarding passage or precedence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

34%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "right of way" functions as a noun phrase used to denote legal or customary entitlement, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's very common across diverse contexts like news, academia, and science. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and understandable in written English. When using the phrase, clearly define the entities involved and be aware of the context to avoid misinterpretations. Synonyms such as "priority passage" or "legal access" may be suitable depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

right of access

Focuses specifically on the ability to enter or use a property.

priority passage

Emphasizes the aspect of having precedence in movement or access.

easement

Focuses on the legal right to use another's land for a specific purpose, such as access.

legal access

Highlights the legal permissibility of entering or crossing a property.

permitted access

Indicates that access is officially allowed or sanctioned.

wayleave

A right of way granted to a service provider, like utilities, to install and maintain equipment on private land.

order of precedence

Highlights the established hierarchy determining who goes first.

superiority in traffic

Describes the advantage one vehicle or pedestrian has over others in a traffic situation.

free passage

Implies unobstructed or unrestricted movement through an area.

granted passage

Emphasizes that permission has been given for someone to pass through.

FAQs

How is the phrase "right of way" used in traffic laws?

In traffic laws, "right of way" determines which driver or pedestrian has the immediate right to proceed. Understanding "right of way" rules is essential for preventing accidents and maintaining traffic flow.

What does "right of way" mean in property law?

In property law, "right of way" refers to a legal right granted to an individual or entity to pass through or use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as accessing a road or utility line. This is similar to "easement".

Are there synonyms for "right of way"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like "priority passage", "legal access", or "permitted access" to convey a similar meaning to "right of way".

How does "right of way" differ from trespassing?

"Right of way" is a legally granted permission to use another's land for a specific purpose. Trespassing, on the other hand, is entering or remaining on someone else's property without permission or legal "right of access".