small road

USAGE SUMMARY

"small road" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to a road with a relatively narrow width or footprint compared to other roads in the area. For example, "We walked to the town center along a small road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

6 Follow the small road past the farm towards Rushley.

The Guardian - Travel

We left Highway 1 and took a small road through Los Olivos.

The New York Times

The driving away from the main road onto the small road.

The New York Times

For every trail, ultimately, connects to a village, a small road, or another trail.

The New York Times - Travel

In the summer months, Lauren began taking small road trips on the weekends.

The New Yorker

Is O.K. Big road, small road, left turn, right turn — this doesn't matter.

The New York Times

"You got to the city from the airport by this one small road.

The New York Times - Sports

Continuing on the small road round the next peninsula south, the scenery becomes even more spectacular.

The New York Times - Travel

After the couple drove onto the small road, 20 bullets rained down onto their car, a police spokesman told CNN.

Independent

The property does not have a pool, and swimmers have to cross a small road to reach the beach.

The New York Times - Travel

I stood on a small road atop a fifty-foot-high embankment, the structure below me largely invisible.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a route, use "small road" to clearly indicate a less prominent or less traveled path.

Common error

Avoid using "small road" when you actually mean a "short road". "Small" refers to the width or significance, not the length.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small road" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. For example, "We drove down a small road."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Travel

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small road" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a route that is either physically narrow or of lesser significance than a major highway. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable, and the examples show its prevalence in news, travel writing and other contexts. It’s crucial to consider that "small" in this context refers to the width or importance of the road, not its length. Related phrases like "minor road" or "country lane" can offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it is essential to use it accurately to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor road

Replaces "small" with "minor", indicating a road of lesser importance.

little road

Uses "little" as a synonym for "small", implying a similar diminutive size.

side road

Suggests a "road" that branches off a main "road".

narrow road

Focuses on the physical dimension of the road being "narrow" instead of just "small".

secondary road

Highlights the "road" as being less important than a primary route.

back road

Indicates a less traveled, often rural "road", implying it's away from main routes.

country lane

Specifies the type of "road" and its location in a rural area. Emphasizes rural and narrow nature.

dirt road

Replaces with more specifics regarding the road's unpaved composition.

unpaved road

Specifies that the road does not have asphalt. Focuses on the road surface.

farm track

Specifically defines the track as being agricultural and for farm vehicles.

FAQs

How can I use "small road" in a sentence?

You can use "small road" to describe a less traveled path, such as, "The village is accessible only by a "small road"".

What are some synonyms for "small road"?

Alternatives include "minor road", "country lane", or "side road", each conveying a slightly different nuance.

Is "small road" formal or informal?

"Small road" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "small road" and "narrow road"?

"Small road" generally refers to the road's importance or size in relation to other roads, while "narrow road" specifically describes the road's width.