the thoroughfare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the thoroughfare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a main road or public highway, often in the context of discussing transportation or urban planning. Example: "The new shopping center is located right off the thoroughfare, making it easily accessible for shoppers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The thoroughfare has deteriorated considerably in those year.

The New Yorker

But closing the thoroughfare would limit access if emergencies arose elsewhere in the city.

The New York Times

They hit pedestrians so often that the thoroughfare was rechristened Death Avenue.

The Guardian - Travel

The thoroughfare of Oneroa village is lined with shops and galleries full of their work.

The Guardian - Travel

With coordinated interagency response, we were able to reopen the thoroughfare in just 10 days.

The New York Times

But their path was blocked by a phalanx of police officers that stretched across the thoroughfare.

The New York Times

The windows of his flat are barely five metres away from the thoroughfare.

The Guardian

Jesse-Owens-Allee is the name of the thoroughfare that fronts its southern entrance.

The New York Times

A massive concrete wall was erected along the thoroughfare to try to keep the militants out.

The New York Times

This street is already lined with finished restaurants, outside which diners will sit on terraces overlooking the thoroughfare.

Independent

Then, as evening arrived, five accidents shut down the thoroughfare — one sent a bus spinning across three lanes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the thoroughfare" when you want to evoke a sense of formality or importance, especially when describing urban planning or transportation infrastructure. It suggests a well-used and significant route.

Common error

Avoid using "the thoroughfare" in casual contexts. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like "the street" or "the road" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the thoroughfare" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing roads, avenues, and passages of notable importance. Its grammatical correctness is supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the thoroughfare" is a noun phrase functioning as a descriptor for a significant route or passage. It's grammatically sound and most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, it's important to consider the formality of the term and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its established usage in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main street

Replaces "thoroughfare" with a more common and simple term for a primary street.

the highway

Substitutes "thoroughfare" with a general term for a major road.

the avenue

Replaces "thoroughfare" with a specific type of road, often wide and important.

the passage

Focuses on the idea of a way through, rather than a road specifically.

the arterial road

Uses a more technical term for a main road that carries significant traffic.

the main drag

Offers a more informal alternative to "thoroughfare".

the roadway

Replaces "thoroughfare" with a general term for a road or street.

the public way

Focuses on the public nature of the road or passage.

the access road

Emphasizes the function of providing access to an area.

the beaten path

Suggests a well-traveled route, which is a more metaphorical substitution of "thoroughfare".

FAQs

How can I use "the thoroughfare" in a sentence?

You can use "the thoroughfare" to refer to a main road or public highway. For example, "The new shopping center is located just off "the thoroughfare", making it easily accessible."

What are some alternatives to "the thoroughfare"?

Alternatives include "the main street", "the highway", or "the avenue", depending on the specific context and type of road you're describing.

When is it appropriate to use "the thoroughfare"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a sense of formality or emphasize the importance of a road as a major route. It's often used in news reports, urban planning documents, or historical accounts.

Is "the thoroughfare" a common term in everyday conversation?

No, "the thoroughfare" is not commonly used in casual conversation. Simpler terms like "the street" or "the road" are generally preferred in everyday speech.