thoroughfare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughfare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a main road or public highway, often one that is busy or heavily trafficked. Example: "The new shopping center is located right off the main thoroughfare, making it easily accessible to customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While the youthful protesters hung out banners of the Occupy movement overlooking Belfast's main thoroughfare the Dublin high court sealed the fate of the southern state's once-richest man – Sean Quinn.

The Guardian

My school has a small car park, which is also used as a thoroughfare for students to get into school.

The Guardian

New York police department officer Delano Skinner exudes a Zen-like confidence as he walks down Church Avenue, the main thoroughfare in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

The Guardian

The sudden rain overwhelmed the Kennedy Expressway, a major Chicago thoroughfare that runs to O'Hare International Airport.

The Guardian

Late into the last century, for example, a favourite souvenir of Aberdeen was a postcard with two views of the city's main thoroughfare, Union Street, taken from the same angle.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Leicester Mercury wrote of one scheme: "Dozens of youngsters … filled the road, drawing with chalk, playing giant snakes and ladders, hopscotch or table tennis and generally enjoying the freedom of the thoroughfare, which is normally a busy cut-through used by motorists".

The Guardian - Opinion

This is the Normandie's second home after it started life in Santiago's main thoroughfare, the Alameda, in 1982, before moving to the current spot in 1991.

The Guardian - Film

In fact, as those present at the early performances found, the characters were – crucially – not Wright and the victims but the residents of the thoroughfare (the title address) in which the killer lived.

The Guardian

Later they gathered on Churchill Avenue, the capital's main thoroughfare, where they were told that a new struggle had begun.

The Economist

The Philadelphia campus is on Locust Walk, a brick-lined pedestrian thoroughfare at the heart of the University of Pennsylvania.

The Economist

Mr McCrum aptly names the new lingo "a thoroughfare for all thoughts".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a primary route in a city or town, use "thoroughfare" to convey the sense of a well-used and important passage.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughfare" in casual conversation or informal writing; it's typically more appropriate for formal or descriptive contexts.

Linguistic Context

Thoroughfare functions primarily as a noun, denoting a road or route that allows passage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include 'the main thoroughfare' or 'a busy thoroughfare'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughfare" is a noun referring to a road or passage, generally a main route, and is considered grammatically correct as per Ludwig AI. It is most commonly used in news and media contexts to describe important routes in cities and regions. While versatile, it is best suited for formal writing and descriptive scenarios. Alternatives such as "main street", "highway", and "avenue" can be used depending on the specific context. It's less appropriate in casual speech, making it crucial to consider the register when using this word. Proper application of "thoroughfare" enhances clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main street

Focuses on the commercial aspect of a road in a town or city.

highway

Implies a major road for long-distance travel.

thorough way

Rephrases the original term to emphasize a clear route.

thorough passage

Emphasizes the accessibility of the road or waterway.

avenue

Suggests a broad, often tree-lined street.

boulevard

Implies a wide, urban street, often in a city.

roadway

Generic term for a constructed road.

thorough channel

Used to specify a way where something can be routed.

trunk road

Highlights a principal route linking major destinations.

public highway

Emphasizes the legal status and public accessibility of the road.

FAQs

How is "thoroughfare" typically used in a sentence?

The word "thoroughfare" usually refers to a main road or public passage. For example, "The city's main "street" is a busy "thoroughfare", especially during rush hour."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughfare"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "main street", "highway", or "avenue".

Is "thoroughfare" a formal word?

Yes, "thoroughfare" is generally considered a formal word, best suited for official or descriptive writing rather than casual conversation.

What distinguishes a "thoroughfare" from a regular road?

A "thoroughfare" typically implies a major, well-used route that facilitates passage through an area, unlike a regular road which might be smaller or less significant.