roam the streets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roam the streets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone wandering or exploring urban areas without a specific destination. Example: "On warm summer nights, I love to roam the streets, discovering hidden cafes and street art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Armed militias roam the streets.

The New Yorker

Bullies and hucksters roam the streets.

The New York Times - Magazine

Young, unemployed men with guns roam the streets.

The Economist

Maybe, a week from now, zombies will roam the streets.

The Economist

Protesters roam the streets near riot police in Suez, Egypt.

The Washington Post

Convicted criminals roam the streets, hunting fresh victims.

The Guardian

Watch: Tens of thousands of feral and stray cats roam the streets of New York.

The New Yorker

The warriors roam the streets of the town, declaring, on megaphones, their new rules.

The New Yorker

Conventional cars, or at best electric ones, will roam the streets instead.

The Economist

Homeless dogs roam the streets, sinkholes yawn from the asphalt and the river remains dangerously high.

The New York Times

There was no free time to roam the streets or meet people on our own.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roam the streets", consider the connotation you want to convey. It can suggest aimless wandering, exploration, or even a more sinister intent depending on the context. Choose your words carefully to ensure the desired meaning is clear.

Common error

While "roam the streets" is a common phrase, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "patrol", "survey", or "circulate" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roam the streets" functions primarily as a verb phrase describing an action. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts, from casual wandering to more ominous patrolling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "roam the streets" is a common expression primarily used in news and media contexts to describe moving about urban areas without a specific destination. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and wide acceptance. Related phrases include "wander the streets" and "patrol the streets", each carrying slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, consider the intended nuance and audience to ensure appropriate communication. Although generally neutral, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided in favor of more precise alternatives. The prevalence of "roam the streets" in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and broad understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Wander the streets

Focuses on aimless, leisurely movement with no specific destination.

Patrol the streets

Implies a systematic movement with the purpose of monitoring or guarding an area.

Walk the streets

A general term for traveling on foot within urban areas; lacks the connotation of aimlessness.

Explore the streets

Highlights the act of discovering and investigating different parts of a street network.

Traverse the streets

Emphasizes the act of crossing or moving through the streets, often implying a longer distance.

Navigate the streets

Focuses on finding one's way through the street network, often when it's complex or unfamiliar.

Cruise the streets

Suggests a slow, casual movement, often in a vehicle, for pleasure or display.

Haunt the streets

Implies a frequent or obsessive presence on the streets, often with a negative connotation.

Prowl the streets

Suggests a stealthy or predatory movement, often with the intention of finding a victim or opportunity.

Inhabit the streets

Describes living or spending a significant amount of time on the streets, often due to homelessness.

FAQs

How can I use "roam the streets" in a sentence?

You can use "roam the streets" to describe someone wandering without a specific purpose. For example, "After the concert, the fans "roam the streets", looking for food."

What's a less common way to say "roam the streets"?

Alternatives to "roam the streets" include "wander the streets", "traverse the streets", or "explore the streets", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Which is correct: "roam the streets" or "roam on the streets"?

"Roam the streets" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Roam on the streets" is grammatically awkward and rarely used.

What's the difference between ""roam the streets"" and "patrol the streets"?

"Roam the streets" suggests a more casual, aimless wandering, whereas "patrol the streets" implies a deliberate, systematic movement with a specific purpose such as security or surveillance.