rough traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe difficult or congested driving conditions, often due to a high volume of vehicles or roadwork. Example: "I left for the airport early, but I still got caught in rough traffic and almost missed my flight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Which is why, last week, Gawker used the headline "R.I.P. Chatroulette": "The defections have been fairly steady since last winter, as you can see from the rough traffic statistics from Quantcast and Compete," two Web analytics companies.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Looking at rough Alexa traffic numbers (not the best gauge, I know, but at least it's something) indicates that traffic has fallen off from peak Ello hype.

TechCrunch

This result is in accordance with the recent study on the rough ER trafficking errors caused by mutant DSPP [ 27].

BioMed Research International

Otherwise, you will be in for rough commutes through traffic or long, crowded subway rides.

The New York Times

Google streetview is a terrific way to get a picture of the shoulder width, landmarks so you don't miss your turn, and even a very rough estimate of traffic.

WikiHow

The avenue is punctuated by a series of statues celebrating Mexican history, with rough-and-tumble traffic circling each and pedestrians braving the perimeter.

The New York Times - Travel

A ground ambulance is much cheaper than an air transport, but sometimes, the medical crew on the ground determines that air transport is safer due to ground transportation issues such as rough terrain or heavy traffic.

WikiHow

This year's event gets a rough start when air-traffic-control problems in London, coupled with ferry cancellations across the Irish Sea, delay not only festivalgoers but also Ben Howard, the Friday-night headliner, who becomes the first artist in the festival's 13-year history to have to pull out.

The Guardian - Music

Common sense is useful here too: If a traffic cop roughs up a drunk driver at the scene of an injury accident, I doubt anyone would argue the importance of getting the drunk back behind the wheel as the best way to chastise the policeman.

Forbes

The center is dedicated to supporting vulnerable women with a range of complex needs, often relating to street-based prostitution, trafficking, and rough sleeping, and is run by by Sister Lynda Dearlove, who has been working with women in the east end of London for ten years.

Vice

The centre is dedicated to supporting vulnerable women with a range of complex needs, often relating to street-based prostitution, trafficking and rough sleeping, and is run by by Sister Lynda Dearlove, who has been working with women in the east end of London for 10 years.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation with significant delays, consider using "rough traffic" to convey the difficulty and frustration associated with the travel conditions.

Common error

While "rough traffic" is acceptable, avoid it in highly formal or technical reports. More precise terms like "high traffic volume" or "severe congestion" are better suited for professional communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough traffic" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "rough" modifies the noun "traffic". This phrase describes a particular state or condition of traffic. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in describing commuting conditions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough traffic" is a common and acceptable way to describe difficult or congested driving conditions. As Ludwig AI points out, its grammatical function is straightforward, and it effectively conveys the experience of challenging commutes and transportation delays. While perfectly appropriate for most situations, it is important to remember that for formal or technical contexts, it is recommended that you choose alternative and more precise terms such as "high traffic volume" or "severe congestion". The frequency of "rough traffic" usage is considered common, and its context is very often associated with News and Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heavy traffic

Emphasizes the high volume of vehicles contributing to difficult driving conditions.

congested traffic

Highlights the state of being overcrowded and slowed down.

difficult driving conditions

Focuses on the challenges faced by drivers due to the state of traffic.

slow-moving traffic

Indicates a reduced speed of travel due to high density.

bumper-to-bumper traffic

Illustrates the close proximity of vehicles in the traffic flow.

gridlock

Describes a complete standstill of traffic.

dense traffic

Highlights the concentration of vehicles in a given area.

challenging commute

Emphasizes the difficulty of traveling to and from work or home.

arduous journey

Stresses the strenuous nature of the travel experience.

problematic traffic flow

Indicates issues and inefficiencies in the movement of traffic.

FAQs

How can I use "rough traffic" in a sentence?

You might say, "I was late to the meeting because I encountered "rough traffic" on the way" or "The "rough traffic" added an hour to my commute".

What are some alternatives to saying "rough traffic"?

Alternatives include "heavy traffic", "congested traffic", or "slow-moving traffic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "rough traffic"?

Yes, "rough traffic" is grammatically correct and commonly used in everyday language to describe difficult or congested driving conditions. Ludwig AI confirms this.

What makes traffic "rough"?

Traffic can be described as "rough" when it is difficult to navigate due to high volume, accidents, roadwork, or other factors that cause delays and make driving challenging.