congestion/crowding

[hooshdar3]

Hi,
"Because of the ----- on the city streets, it takes much longer for the motorists to get to work.
1)crowding 2)congestion 3)slowing 4)weather"

Which choice is correct?I chose 2.

Thank you.

[emsr2d2]

I agree with your choice. We use "congestion" when referring to busy traffic conditions.

[jebonfikri]

How about "traffic jam", is it OK?

[Gillnetter]

How about "traffic jam", is it OK?

It would be "traffic jams" but this refers to a situation where traffic is not moving. On a congested road, traffic is moving, but very slowly.

[emsr2d2]

"Congestion" is the word normally used in traffic reports on the TV or radio. In normal conversation, we would say "I'm stuck in traffic" (the fact that it is heavy traffic is implied) or "I'm stuck in a traffic jam".

[hooshdar3]

"Congestion" is the word normally used in traffic reports on the TV or radio. In normal conversation, we would say "I'm stuck in traffic" (the fact that it is heavy traffic is implied) or "I'm stuck in a traffic jam".

But Collins dictionary gives 'crowding' as a synonym for 'congestion'.I also wonder if 'slowing' means anything similar.

[Gillnetter]

But Collins dictionary gives 'crowding' as a synonym for 'congestion'.I also wonder if 'slowing' means anything similar.

Congestion or crowding could be a cause of slowing, but "slowing" is a separate concept. I am slowing down because of the heavy snow. The slowing of the arms race was seen as a good thing.

[hooshdar3]

Congestion or crowding could be a cause of slowing, but "slowing" is a separate concept. I am slowing down because of the heavy snow. The slowing of the arms race was seen as a good thing.

So it is more general, rather than a seperate concept, right?

[emsr2d2]

Slowing can be a result of congestion but it can also have many other causes. However, if you are caught in traffic congestion, it's a safe bet that you will be moving slowly.

[hooshdar3]

Slowing can be a result of congestion but it can also have many other causes. However, if you are caught in traffic congestion, it's a safe bet that you will be moving slowly.

Can you have traffic slowing?!