wander the streets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'wander the streets' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it when referring to someone taking a leisurely walk through a city or town. For example, "On weekends, I like to wander the streets of my hometown, taking in the sights and sounds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Loose, wounded dogs wander the streets.

The New York Times

They wander the streets and block traffic.

The New York Times

They wander the streets, browsing on lawns and gardens.

The Economist

We can't let people with dementia just wander the streets".

Independent

Once again, he had to wander the streets.

The New Yorker

I wander the streets with a regular crew — my teammates, my defenders, my posse.

The New Yorker

In a concession to safety concerns the youngsters will not wander the streets knocking on doors.

Independent

That's why we're allowed to wander the streets doing the sh*t that we do.

Independent

"It is unacceptable that migrant children wander the streets left to their own devices," he said.

The New York Times

If you wander the streets of London this year, you might spot a green phone box.

The Guardian

In and around the two hospitals, apparently mentally ill men wander the streets, ragged and filthy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wander the streets" to evoke a sense of freedom and exploration, particularly when describing travel experiences or personal reflections.

Common error

While "wander the streets" is widely accepted, it can sound too informal for academic or business writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "explore the area" or "conduct a survey" depending on your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wander the streets" primarily functions as a verb phrase, describing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Examples show it depicting leisurely or aimless movement through urban environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wander the streets" is a commonly used and grammatically sound verb phrase that evokes a sense of leisurely exploration or aimless movement within an urban environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and suggests using it to convey freedom and discovery. While generally neutral in register, it's important to note that more formal contexts may benefit from more precise alternatives. With its widespread use across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "wander the streets" remains a vivid and versatile expression for describing personal experiences in urban settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stroll through the streets

Replaces "wander" with "stroll", emphasizing a more relaxed and leisurely pace.

walk the streets

Uses the more common verb "walk" instead of "wander", simplifying the phrase.

explore the streets

Focuses on discovery and investigation rather than aimless movement.

roam the streets

Emphasizes a wider area and less defined path than "wander".

meander through the streets

Uses "meander" to highlight a winding and indirect path.

traverse the streets

Suggests a more purposeful journey across the streets.

drift through the streets

Implies a passive and effortless movement through the streets.

saunter along the streets

Conveys a casual and unhurried manner of walking.

ramble through the streets

Emphasizes a leisurely and undirected walk.

cruise the streets

Suggests a more deliberate and potentially social exploration of the streets.

FAQs

How can I use "wander the streets" in a sentence?

You can use "wander the streets" to describe aimless or leisurely walking in an urban setting. For example, "I like to "wander the streets" of Paris in the evening."

What does it mean to "wander the streets"?

To "wander the streets" means to walk or move about a city or town without a specific destination or purpose, often for pleasure or exploration.

Are there synonyms for "wander the streets"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "stroll through the streets", "walk the streets", or "explore the streets", depending on the context.

Is "wander the streets" formal or informal?

"Wander the streets" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "explore the area" or "move through the city".