heavy traffic — a lot of cars on the road
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
When there are a large number of vehicles on the road, making it slow or difficult to travel.
Say it like a native
Textbook There was a high density of vehicular congestion this morning.
Native There was heavy traffic this morning.
'Heavy traffic' is the standard collocation; 'high density of vehicular congestion' is officialese.
Pattern: heavy traffic (uncountable noun)
In use
- There was heavy traffic on the way to work this morning, so I arrived late.daily life
- In my city, heavy traffic is a common problem during rush hour, especially on the main roads.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There was a strong traffic on the way.
✓ There was heavy traffic on the way.
Traffic is 'heavy', not 'strong' or 'big'. (Light traffic = the opposite.)
Common collocations
heavy traffic— heavy traffic, stuck in traffic, rush-hour traffic, traffic jam
Don't confuse it
Don't confuse with 'light traffic,' which means there are few cars and the road is clear.