Meaning & use
on and off ramps
Last updated
UK/ˌɒn ən ˈɒf ræmps/
US/ˌɑːn ən ˈɔːf ræmps/
Meaning
nounpluralAmerican
The short roads that let vehicles enter and leave a highway or freeway.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun; the singular forms are 'on ramp' and 'off ramp'.
Patterns
- on and off ramps for something
- build on and off ramps
The city plans to add new on and off ramps to the highway.
Traffic was slow near the on and off ramps during rush hour.
Drivers should watch for on and off ramps when merging.
Word forms
| singular | on ramp / off ramp |
|---|
Common combinations
- highway on and off ramps
- The highway on and off ramps were closed for repairs.
- new on and off ramps
- New on and off ramps will open next month.
- near the on and off ramps
- There is a gas station near the on and off ramps.
Synonyms and how they differ
- slip roads
- British English term for the same roads; use 'slip roads' in the UK and 'on and off ramps' in the US.
Word family
- ramp noun
- A sloping surface or road that connects different levels.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'on and off ramps' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'On and off ramps' are for vehicles entering and leaving a highway, so option 1 fits. The others describe trains, malls, or pedestrians, which do not match the meaning.
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