severe traffic jam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe traffic jam" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where there is a significant delay or blockage on the road due to a high volume of vehicles. Example: "I was late to the meeting because I got stuck in a severe traffic jam on the highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The CFD technique has been applied to model several tunnels in different lengths under severe traffic jam conditions; this way, the difference between pressure drop predicted by CFD simulation and 1D model can be investigated.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

Severe traffic jam is an inevitable part of the urban life.

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology

At present road transport is the only mode of transport for accessing with other parts of the Dhaka city and travellers face severe traffic jam during working hours.

Procedia Engineering

Both sides blame each other for the severe traffic jam.

Los Angeles Times

After receiving furious backlash over a Maclean's hot take that used a severe traffic jam to illustrate the failings of Quebec society, Andrew Potter has resigned from his post as director of McGill University's Institute for the Study of Canada.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Many customers abandoned their vehicles in the middle of a major road near the store and walked, causing severe traffic jams, the police said.

The New York Times

Industry executives argued that this was purely a response to severe traffic jams in Beijing and lobbied for the central government not to let other cities take the same course.

The New York Times

Guangzhou had severe traffic jams a decade ago, but moved more quickly than Beijing to build a subway network that opens 30 kilometers, or 20 miles, of new lines each year.

The New York Times

Those closures, which caused severe traffic jams, were apparently a form of political retaliation on the part of members of Christie's staff toward the Democratic mayor of Fort Lee, New Jersey.

Huffington Post

Know as "the jam", severe traffic is a daily headache for road users.

The Guardian

"No traffic jam . . .

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "severe traffic jam" and alternatives; more formal contexts may benefit from terms like "significant traffic disruption".

Common error

Avoid using "severe" redundantly with other intensifiers; for example, "very severe traffic jam" is usually unnecessary and can weaken the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe traffic jam" functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun phrase "traffic jam". It describes a particular condition of traffic. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe traffic jam" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to depict significant road congestion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives such as "major traffic congestion" or "heavy traffic congestion" exist, "severe traffic jam" effectively conveys the intensity of the situation. Predominantly found in News & Media and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When employing this phrase, avoid redundant intensifiers to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major traffic congestion

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the traffic problem.

heavy traffic congestion

Focuses on the density and slow movement of traffic.

serious traffic delay

Highlights the time lost due to the traffic situation.

massive gridlock

Implies a complete standstill in traffic flow.

extreme road congestion

Stresses the intensity and unusual nature of the traffic.

significant traffic disruption

Underlines the interruption and inconvenience caused by the traffic.

extensive traffic holdup

Highlights the length and duration of the traffic delay.

intense traffic backup

Emphasizes the accumulation and congestion of vehicles.

paralyzing traffic jam

Describes a traffic jam that is severely hindering movement.

unprecedented traffic congestion

Indicates a traffic situation that is beyond usual levels.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "severe traffic jam"?

You can use alternatives like "major traffic congestion", "heavy traffic congestion", or "serious traffic delay" depending on the context.

How can I use "severe traffic jam" in a sentence?

Example uses include: "The accident caused a "severe traffic jam" on the highway" or "Commuters faced a "severe traffic jam" during rush hour".

What causes a "severe traffic jam"?

Common causes include accidents, road construction, high traffic volume during peak hours, and special events.

Is it better to say "severe traffic" or "severe traffic jam"?

While "severe traffic" is understandable, "severe traffic jam" is more specific and clearly indicates a blockage or significant delay in traffic flow.