City & Transport Compounds — Collocations
Two nouns, one idea — the compounds that name the modern city. · Pattern: Noun + Noun · Level A2
a traffic jam
Vehicles stopped or moving very slowly on a road.
Example: We sat in a traffic jam for an hour yesterday.
⚠️ Not: “a traffic block” — say “a traffic jam”.
rush hour
The busiest travel times at the start and end of the workday.
Example: Avoid driving downtown during rush hour.
⚠️ Not: “busy hour” — say “rush hour”.
a traffic light
The red-yellow-green signal controlling traffic.
Example: Stop at a traffic light when it's red.
⚠️ Not: “a light of traffic” — say “a traffic light”.
a bus stop
A place where buses stop for passengers.
Example: Students wait at a bus stop on the corner.
⚠️ Not: “a stop of bus” — say “a bus stop”.
a parking lot
An outdoor area for parking cars.
Example: The supermarket has a parking lot behind the building.
⚠️ Not: “a car park (British — the US parks in a lot)” — say “a parking lot”.
a gas station
A place that sells fuel for vehicles.
Example: We stopped at a gas station for coffee and fuel.
⚠️ Not: “a petrol station (British)” — say “a gas station”.
a speed limit
The maximum legal speed on a road.
Example: There is a speed limit of 70 on this highway.
⚠️ Not: “a velocity limit” — say “a speed limit”.
a driver's license
The official document allowing you to drive.
Example: Teens celebrate getting a driver's license.
⚠️ Not: “a driving permit (a permit is the learner stage)” — say “a driver's license”.
a seat belt
The safety strap in a car or plane.
Example: Always wear a seat belt, even in the back.
⚠️ Not: “a safety belt (understood, but seat belt is the standard)” — say “a seat belt”.
road rage
Angry, aggressive behavior by drivers.
Example: Police say road rage causes accidents every year.
⚠️ Not: “road anger” — say “road rage”.
Practice
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it. Mark what you know — your progress saves on this device.
Matching Game
Tap an expression, then tap its meaning.
Keep going
Ad space