congestion/crowding

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hooshdar3

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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

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

jebonfikri

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How about "traffic jam", is it OK?
 

emsr2d2

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"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

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"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.
 

hooshdar3

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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

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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

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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?!
 

susiedq

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crowding involves people

congestion involves traffic

slow down could impact traffic flow
 

emsr2d2

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Can you have traffic slowing?!

I don't really understand your question. Do you mean "Can we say 'traffic slowing'?" Please use "traffic slowing" in a sentence and we can tell you if it's correct or not.
 

Barb_D

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