use the sidewalk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use the sidewalk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to walk on the designated pedestrian path rather than on the road. Example: "For your safety, please use the sidewalk when walking along the busy street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

They use the sidewalk.

The New York Times

At $1.50, the fee to use the sidewalk A.T.M. nearby is more expensive.

The New York Times

Wolf asserted the right of the protesters to use the sidewalk.

The Guardian

He spotted Brown and Johnson, and called out to them to use the sidewalk.

The New Yorker

"If someone wants to use the sidewalk" — or the Brooklyn Bridge — "for a casual dinner, they just have to be considerate of the neighbors".

The New York Times

According to Mr. de Blasio, who said he had spoken to Mr. Foy about the episode, they had been given permission to use the sidewalk by a police officer wearing the kind of white shirt usually worn by an officer of high rank.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

They needed trucks to line up to deliver the flowers; they needed to use the sidewalks".

The New York Times

"Many filmmakers make their own deal with the city to use the sidewalks on Fifth Avenue, and we don't have much control over that".

The New York Times - Arts

The latest comprehensive federal study, released in February 2012, found levels significant enough to conclude that "workers at the auto body shop and pedestrians who frequently use the sidewalks at this location may have an elevated risk of cancer".

The New York Times

If the mayor instituted a ticket blitz on bicycle deliverymen and their employers who use the sidewalks and ride the wrong way on one-way streets, he could save life and limb, be recognized for being sensitive to ordinary New Yorkers, and even save money by keeping people out of the hospital and funeral parlors.

The New York Times

Pedestrians had to be allowed to use the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard between takes.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In urban planning documents, specify the importance of maintaining accessible and safe sidewalks for all residents.

Common error

Avoid using "use the sidewalk" when you actually mean 'use the roadway' or 'use the street'. "Sidewalk" refers specifically to the pedestrian path alongside the road, not the road itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use the sidewalk" primarily functions as an imperative, often used to instruct or advise someone to walk on the designated pedestrian path. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show it commonly appears in contexts related to safety and regulations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "use the sidewalk" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood instruction, primarily employed to direct pedestrians to safe walking areas. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. While its register is generally neutral, it finds frequent application in news and media, as well as in scientific and general contexts. Related phrases include "walk on the sidewalk" and "take the sidewalk", offering nuanced ways to convey the same message. When writing, ensure clarity by differentiating between the sidewalk and roadway. By understanding its function, purpose, and contexts, you can effectively incorporate "use the sidewalk" in your communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

walk on the sidewalk

Focuses on the action of walking specifically on the sidewalk.

utilize the sidewalk

Employs a more formal term, 'utilize', instead of 'use'.

take the sidewalk

Implies choosing the sidewalk as the path.

stick to the sidewalk

Suggests adhering to the sidewalk and not deviating from it.

remain on the sidewalk

Indicates staying on the sidewalk continuously.

keep to the sidewalk

Similar to 'stick to', emphasizing maintaining position on the sidewalk.

travel on the sidewalk

Describes the act of traveling or moving along the sidewalk.

opt for the sidewalk

Highlights the choice of selecting the sidewalk.

make use of the sidewalk

Adds a bit more emphasis to the act of using the sidewalk.

employ the sidewalk

Uses 'employ' as a more formal synonym for 'use'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "use the sidewalk"?

Alternatives include "walk on the sidewalk", "take the sidewalk", or "remain on the sidewalk" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "use the sidewalk"?

Yes, "use the sidewalk" is grammatically correct and commonly used to instruct or advise someone to walk on the designated pedestrian path for safety or convenience.

When should I use "use the sidewalk" instead of "walk on the street"?

"Use the sidewalk" should be used when you want to emphasize that pedestrians should stay on the designated path and avoid walking on the street, which is meant for vehicles. "Walk on the street" implies walking directly on the road, which can be dangerous.

What's the difference between "using the sidewalk" and "using the pavement"?

The terms "sidewalk" and "pavement" are often interchangeable, but "sidewalk" is more common in American English, while "pavement" is more commonly used in British English. The meaning is the same: a paved path for pedestrians.