unpaved road

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpaved road" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a road that is not covered with a hard surface, typically found in rural or less developed areas. Example: "The car struggled to navigate the unpaved road leading to the cabin in the woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

America is now on the unlit, unpaved road to nowhere.

The New York Times

It sits at the end of a winding, unpaved road.

The New York Times - Arts

One dead-end and mostly unpaved road penetrates the park itself.

The New York Times - Magazine

The unpaved road leading to Bodie felt like it led nowhere.

Independent

It was at the end of a long, twisting, unpaved road.

The New Yorker

The inquest judge found that he had taken this unpaved road deliberately.

Independent

The unpaved road paralleled the cemetery, which lay behind a row of houses.

The New Yorker

You had to drive over a horrible, unpaved road to get to it.

The New York Times - Travel

"When I rolled out of town, on the unpaved road, I was fifty-seven dollars from being broke," she begins.

The New Yorker

Near the entrance to the village there were houses filled with men on each side of the unpaved road.

The New York Times

I often took the long, dusty bus ride over unpaved road from my landlocked town to visit this port city.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific location or travel directions, use "unpaved road" to clearly indicate the road's surface if it is relevant to the context. This helps set expectations for drivers or travelers.

Common error

In some contexts, especially when writing for an international audience, it might be beneficial to provide further clarification (e.g., "the road was not paved with asphalt or concrete") to ensure all readers understand the road's condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpaved road" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unpaved" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "road". This phrase describes a specific type of road based on its surface material. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

29%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpaved road" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a road that lacks a hard surface, such as asphalt or concrete. According to Ludwig, this term is versatile, appearing in news, scientific research, and general descriptions. While synonyms like "dirt road" or "gravel road" exist, "unpaved road" provides a clear and readily understandable description for a wide audience. When writing, be mindful of your audience's familiarity with the term and provide further clarification if necessary to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dirt road

This term is a more common and informal synonym, emphasizing the composition of the road surface.

gravel road

This alternative specifies the material used on the road surface, implying a coarser, rocky texture.

dirt track

This phrase suggests a less maintained and potentially narrower path.

country lane

This term evokes a rural setting and may imply a narrow, winding road, which might or might not be unpaved.

rural road

This phrase broadly indicates the location of the road but does not inherently specify its surface.

rough road

This description focuses on the condition of the road, highlighting its unevenness rather than its lack of paving.

secondary road

This phrase denotes its status as a less important route, which often correlates with being unpaved.

back road

Implies a road less traveled and possibly less maintained, often unpaved.

off road track

This alternative highlights the suitability for vehicles designed for rough terrain.

track road

This is a concise alternative implying a basic, unrefined road.

FAQs

What does the term "unpaved road" refer to?

An "unpaved road" is a road that does not have a hard surface like asphalt or concrete. It's typically made of materials like dirt, gravel, or a combination of both.

What are some other ways to describe an unpaved road?

Alternatives include "dirt road", "gravel road", "country lane", or "back road depending on the specific context and characteristics of the road".

Is it grammatically correct to say "an unpaved road" or "a unpaved road"?

It is grammatically correct to say "an unpaved road" because "unpaved" begins with a vowel sound. The article "an" is used before words starting with a vowel sound.

What kind of vehicles are best suited for driving on an "unpaved road"?

Vehicles with higher clearance and good suspension, such as SUVs or trucks, are generally better suited for driving on an "unpaved road" due to the uneven and potentially rough surface.