slick pavement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slick pavement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a road or surface that is smooth and potentially slippery, often due to rain or ice. Example: "Driving on slick pavement can be dangerous, so it's important to reduce your speed in wet conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I started to slip on the slick pavement and as I steadied myself I squinted to read the woman's hat.

Huffington Post

Two major routes in the valley, Sierra Highway and San Francisquito Canyon Road, were shut down because of slick pavement.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Skid slick pavements are best for this, and don't try this on a bike that has really skinny tires.

WikiHow

A soap bubble cluster shown with physically accurate thin-film interference, which produces rainbow hues like an oil slick on pavement.

University of California, Berkeley

Stepping gingerly over a pavement slick with soot, candle wax, water and detritus, Shafi Abdul Hassan said: "We need honourable men to lead us out of this.

The Guardian

Using a fourth set of equations, the mathematicians solved the physics of a sunset reflected in the bubbles, taking account of thin film interference within the bubble membranes, which can create rainbow hues like an oil slick on wet pavement.

University of California, Berkeley

In 1965, on Moscow pavement slick from heavy rain, he was a passenger on a motorcycle that skidded out of control at high speed at night, throwing him into a lamppost.

The New York Times - Sports

It had just rained, and the pavement was slick.

The New York Times - Magazine

It began to drizzle, and Jock urged the riders on as the pavement grew slick.

The New Yorker

The pavement was slick and wet — water cannons had been used against the crowd.

The New Yorker

The pavement was slick and wet water cannons had been used against the crowd.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing driving conditions, use "slick pavement" to warn of potential hazards due to reduced traction, especially after rain or ice.

Common error

Avoid using "slick pavement" when you intend to describe something stylish or deceptive. "Slick" has multiple meanings; ensure the context clearly indicates you're referring to a physical surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slick pavement" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "slick", modifying the noun "pavement", to indicate the pavement's slippery nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show its usage in describing hazardous road conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slick pavement" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a road surface that is smooth and slippery. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. While not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to the physical condition of a surface and not another meaning of the word "slick". Alternatives such as "slippery pavement" or "slippery road surface" may be used for variety or clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slippery road surface

Replaces "pavement" with a more general term "road surface" and "slick" with "slippery", emphasizing the hazardous nature.

slippery asphalt

Specifies the type of pavement as asphalt and uses "slippery" instead of "slick".

glazed road

Uses "glazed" to indicate a smooth, almost glassy surface, implying slipperiness.

icy pavement

Indicates the cause of slipperiness is ice and specify pavement.

greasy pavement

Suggests the presence of a greasy substance making the pavement slippery.

treacherous surface

Highlights the danger and unpredictability of the slippery pavement using the adjective "treacherous".

polished concrete

Describes a specific type of pavement and implies its smoothness.

slippery ground

Replaces "pavement" with a more general "ground", applicable to various outdoor surfaces.

smooth, slippery surface

Emphasizes both the smoothness and slipperiness of the surface.

unstable footing

Focuses on the effect of the slickness, making it difficult to maintain balance.

FAQs

How can I describe "slick pavement" in simpler terms?

You can use alternatives like "slippery pavement", "greasy pavement", or just "slippery road/surface" depending on the context.

Is "slick pavement" the same as "black ice"?

No, "slick pavement" refers to any pavement that is slippery, whereas "black ice" is a specific condition where a thin, transparent layer of ice forms on the pavement, making it particularly dangerous.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "slick pavement"?

It's appropriate to use "slick pavement" when you want to describe a road surface that is smooth and slippery, often due to wet or icy conditions. For example, "Driving on "slick pavement" requires extra caution".

What are some safety precautions to take when encountering "slick pavement"?

Some safety precautions include reducing your speed, increasing your following distance, avoiding sudden braking or steering, and ensuring your tires have adequate tread.