steady flow of traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steady flow of traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent and uninterrupted movement of vehicles on a road or highway. Example: "During rush hour, the steady flow of traffic made the commute much smoother than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The steady flow of traffic, she said, keeps attendance steady at 12,000 visitors each year.

The New York Times

And, he added, although there was a steady flow of traffic, park rangers were able to handle it.

The New York Times

At the Shrewsbury Five Guys, there was a steady flow of traffic during my visit, but the employees filled the orders within about five minutes.

The New York Times

This breakaway group quickly gained support of surrounding marchers, numbers of whom jumped over barricades on the sidewalk's edge to stream into the road, until hundreds of people eventually covered the passageway usually intended for a steady flow of traffic.

The New York Times

As the number of these ships in service was expected to increase, modifications to the channel were necessary in order to maintain a steady flow of traffic through the entire length of the canal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

CAIRO — As hundreds of Egyptian protesters filled Tahrir Square on Monday, many calling for their president to go into exile, one of the two state-owned television stations had its cameras focused elsewhere, capturing the steady flow of traffic on a Cairo bridge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The steady flow of bicycle traffic also makes it easy for visitors to commune with fellow cyclists or at least to ask for directions.

The New York Times - Travel

Drilling has recently increased in the Wyoming Range and the surrounding foothills, and the steady flow of air traffic (helicopter relays to transport equipment to remote areas), the use of explosives for seismic work, and the constant rumble of trucks carrying helmet-clad men across the desert all reinforce the sense that this boom is, in part, war-related.

The New Yorker

From his corner office on the 12th floor of Sherwin-Williams ' headquarters, Christopher Connor can keep an eye on the steady flow of barge traffic pushing along Cleveland's Cuyahoga River.

Forbes

The steady flow of particle traffic tapered to an unprecedented lull from late on 10 May until early on 12 May, according to measurements by a fleet of sun-observing satellites.

Science Magazine

According to Lamrani, Iran's dream is to have a steady flow of commercial traffic clear to the west coast of Lebanon, which it plans to achieve by creating a supply route that goes from Tehran to Baghdad to Syria to Lebanon.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing traffic conditions, use "steady flow of traffic" to convey a sense of consistent and uninterrupted movement, avoiding the implication of heavy congestion or complete standstill.

Common error

Avoid using "steady flow of traffic" when you actually mean a high volume of vehicles, which implies congestion and slower movement. Use "high traffic volume" or "heavy traffic" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steady flow of traffic" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes a specific condition of movement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "steady flow of traffic" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe consistent and uninterrupted movement of vehicles. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Appearing most frequently in news and media, it serves to objectively report traffic conditions. While alternatives like "constant stream of vehicles" exist, it's important not to confuse it with terms indicating congestion, such as "heavy traffic". The expert rating highlights its reliability and clarity in describing traffic conditions without implying negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constant stream of vehicles

Replaces "flow" with "stream" and "traffic" with "vehicles" emphasizing the continuous movement.

continuous movement of traffic

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the traffic's movement.

uninterrupted flow of vehicles

Highlights the lack of interruptions in the traffic's movement.

consistent traffic volume

Shifts from the movement to the quantity of traffic, emphasizing its stability.

regular stream of cars

Uses "stream" instead of "flow" and specifies "cars" as the traffic.

even flow of traffic

Replaces "steady" with "even", indicating a balanced and consistent movement.

fluid traffic movement

Describes the traffic as moving smoothly and effortlessly.

stable traffic flow

Focuses on the stability and predictability of the traffic.

unwavering traffic pace

Emphasizes the consistent speed and rhythm of the traffic.

perpetual motion of vehicles

Highlights the ongoing and seemingly endless nature of the traffic.

FAQs

How can I use "steady flow of traffic" in a sentence?

You can use "steady flow of traffic" to describe a consistent and uninterrupted movement of vehicles. For example: "Despite the rain, there was a "steady flow of traffic" on the highway."

What's the difference between "steady flow of traffic" and "heavy traffic"?

"Steady flow of traffic" implies a consistent and manageable movement, while "heavy traffic" suggests congestion and slower speeds. They are not interchangeable; use "heavy traffic" when describing gridlock or significantly slowed movement.

What can I say instead of "steady flow of traffic"?

You can use alternatives like "constant stream of vehicles", "continuous movement of traffic", or "uninterrupted flow of vehicles depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "steady flow of traffic" formal or informal language?

"Steady flow of traffic" is considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It's a descriptive term suitable for news reports, academic papers, and casual conversation.