slippery road

USAGE SUMMARY

"slippery road" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a road that is wet, icy, or covered in a slippery substance, making it dangerous for vehicles to drive on. You can use "slippery road" in any situation where you want to describe a road that is slick or hazardous for driving. For example: - "Be careful when driving on these mountain roads, they can be quite slippery." - "Due to heavy rain, the roads are extremely slippery, please drive with caution." - "The city has issued a warning for drivers to be cautious on the slick and slippery roads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was the beginning of a slippery road".

The New York Times

Effects of variable message signs for slippery road conditions on driving speed and headways.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

Thereafter, he wrote: "I was on the slippery road of public life".

Independent

showed that a variable message sign warning about slippery road conditions reduced the mean speed by 1 2 km/h.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

What happens if you drive too fast on a slippery road?

The New York Times

I think that's wrong, and a slippery road to starting to buy your seat".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Black Ice," "Slippery Roads".

The New Yorker

We also felt secure on wet, slippery roads.

Independent

Its patrol teams reported many accidents on slippery roads.

Independent

This system guarantees the vehicle's stable motion on the slippery roads.

Mechatronics

Like his neighbour in the centre's waiting room, he had to contend with slippery roads.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slippery road" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the challenging or precarious nature of the situation being described.

Common error

Avoid using "slippery road" metaphorically in contexts where a more direct or precise term would be more effective. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slippery road" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "slippery" modifies the noun "road". It describes a road that is slick and hazardous. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a road that is wet, icy, or covered in a slippery substance, making it dangerous for vehicles to drive on.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slippery road" is a common and generally correct descriptor for hazardous driving conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to roads that are slick due to ice, water, or other substances. Its primary function is to warn of potential danger, and it's used across various contexts, from news reports to scientific studies. While primarily literal, the phrase can also be used metaphorically, though overuse should be avoided. Related phrases like "hazardous road conditions" and "treacherous road surface" offer similar meanings. Remember to provide specific details about the slippery conditions when using the phrase literally. Overall, understanding the nuances of "slippery road" can improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hazardous road conditions

Focuses on the dangerous state of the road, emphasizing potential risks.

treacherous road surface

Highlights the deceitful and unreliable nature of the road's surface.

icy road conditions

Specifies the type of slippery condition due to ice.

hazardous driving conditions

Broadens the scope to include all factors that make driving dangerous, not just the road surface.

precarious situation

Shifts from the literal road to a more general situation of risk or instability.

difficult path

Metaphorically represents a challenging course of action or life situation.

unstable ground

Emphasizes the lack of stability and reliability, similar to a slippery surface.

perilous route

Highlights the dangers associated with a specific course or journey.

risky undertaking

Focuses on the potential for failure or negative consequences in a particular endeavor.

tenuous position

Indicates a fragile and easily disrupted state of affairs.

FAQs

How can I describe the dangers of a "slippery road"?

You can use descriptive language emphasizing reduced traction, increased stopping distances, and potential for loss of control. For example, "The "slippery road" made braking distances significantly longer."

What are some alternative phrases for "slippery road" when referring to driving conditions?

Consider using "icy road conditions", "hazardous road conditions", or "treacherous road surface" to describe "slippery road".

Is "slippery road" only used literally, or can it be used metaphorically?

While often used literally to describe a road with reduced traction, "slippery road" can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or course of action that is fraught with risk and potential for unintended consequences. For example, "That decision could put us on a "slippery road" to financial ruin".

How does the meaning of "slippery road" differ from "slippery slope"?

"Slippery road" typically refers to a specific hazardous condition or situation, while "slippery slope" describes a process or series of events that, once started, is believed to be impossible to stop, implying an inevitable and often negative outcome.