tide of traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tide of traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large and overwhelming flow of vehicles on a road or highway, often during peak travel times. Example: "During rush hour, the tide of traffic made it nearly impossible to reach the office on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The authority's powers to influence the railway companies is also strictly limited by the terms of the franchises which it agreed with the last government.The deputy prime minister's determination to roll back the tide of traffic is not in doubt.

The Economist

The border consists of six checkpoints, each with a rope or chain stretched across the dusty road, staffed by Pakistan border guards, who by midday are overwhelmed by the tide of traffic and mostly leave the barriers down.

The New York Times

The Wild Garlic is it, a small, unassuming restaurant in tiny Beaminster (I say tiny because one minute you're approaching the town square, the next – if you do not park right away – you will be swept out of town by the tide of traffic, next stop, Bridport).

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Today, the church is unassuming, lost in swirling tides of traffic.

The Guardian - Travel

Three tides of traffic now cross each other at Broadway and Houston, and every pedestrian who pauses there for a light carries within him an intuitive sense of the city's volume, its voltage, just as the pedestrians in Harvey's watercolor surely did.

The New York Times

Often regarded as a new centralization of computing, the new architecture in fact unleashes huge new efficiencies and opportunities on the edges of the network, impelling vast new tides of traffic across it.

Forbes

It should be something that could not have been built by any earlier generation than this, and can only be at home in London... (the building) means a chance to enrich London – to give London at its heart not just more streets and shops... but a great architectural feature... an academic island in swirling tides of traffic, a world of learning in a world of affairs".

Wikipedia

Despite regional efforts, trafficking continues to take heavy toll on children BANGKOK/WELLINGTON, 1 September, 2009 – A recent assessment of child trafficking programs in seven countries in East and Southeast Asia found that the tides of trafficking have yet to be stemmed despite efforts by governments, donors and aid agencies.

Unicef

Poverty, high birth rates and the new routes from Asia to Europe opened by the fall of the Berlin Wall all encourage the tide of human traffic through Turkey.

The New York Times

During her tenure, Mrs. Sims steered the transition of the Cos Cob power plant from coal- to oil-fired burners, reducing pollution; championed subsidized housing for the elderly; and fought to preserve Greenwich's residential character in the face of corporate development and a tide of commuting traffic, an increasing concern in a town long known as a quiet bastion of old-money wealth.

The New York Times

The Strategy The game, which the Border Patrol began playing in earnest in 1993, stemmed what had become a steady tide of illegal migrant traffic in larger urban corridors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tide of traffic" to vividly describe a large and almost overwhelming flow of vehicles, particularly when emphasizing its impact or force. For example, "The "tide of traffic" made crossing the street dangerous."

Common error

Avoid using "tide of traffic" when simply referring to a normal or light flow of vehicles. The phrase implies a substantial and often disruptive volume. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and create an inaccurate impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tide of traffic" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving to describe a large and continuous movement of vehicles. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in depicting the intensity and scale of vehicular flow.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tide of traffic" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase employed to depict a substantial and often overwhelming flow of vehicles. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage is deemed accurate by Ludwig AI. For alternative expressions, consider options like "stream of traffic", "surge of traffic" or "flow of traffic" to suit varying contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a significant volume of vehicles to maintain clarity and impact. The most frequent source is The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stream of traffic

Replaces "tide" with "stream", emphasizing a continuous flow.

flow of traffic

Focuses on the movement aspect, using "flow" instead of "tide".

surge of traffic

Highlights a sudden increase or rush in traffic volume.

wave of traffic

Similar to "tide", but with a connotation of a distinct, advancing mass.

influx of traffic

Implies a significant arrival or entry of vehicles.

deluge of traffic

Suggests an overwhelming and excessive amount of traffic.

torrent of traffic

Emphasizes the powerful and forceful nature of the traffic flow.

mainstream of traffic

Indicates the primary or dominant flow of vehicles.

avalanche of traffic

Suggests a sudden and overwhelming mass of vehicles, similar to an avalanche.

mass of vehicles

A more general phrase describing a large quantity of vehicles.

FAQs

How can I use "tide of traffic" in a sentence?

Use "tide of traffic" to describe a large and overwhelming flow of vehicles. For example: "During rush hour, the "tide of traffic" made it difficult to reach the office."

What's a good alternative to "tide of traffic"?

Alternatives include "stream of traffic", "flow of traffic", or "surge of traffic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tide of traffic" an overused expression?

While not inherently overused, "tide of traffic" is a fairly common metaphor. Consider using synonyms like "wave of traffic" or "influx of traffic" to provide a fresh perspective, if appropriate.

Can "tide of traffic" be used for other types of movement besides vehicles?

While primarily used for vehicular traffic, "tide of traffic" can metaphorically describe a large and overwhelming flow of people or even data, if the context is appropriate. For example: "A "tide of people" exited the stadium after the concert."