I was stuck on a traffic jam. vs I was stuck in a traffic jam.

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I was stuck in a traffic jam' is the more common and idiomatic expression to indicate being trapped in a congested flow of vehicles. On the other hand, 'I was stuck on a traffic jam' could be interpreted as being physically stuck on top of a traffic jam, which is less common.

Last updated: March 15, 2024

I was stuck on a traffic jam.

This phrase is correct but less common. It could be interpreted as being physically stuck on top of a traffic jam.

This phrase could be used in a creative or metaphorical context to describe a situation where someone is figuratively stuck on top of a traffic jam, rather than being stuck in the traffic itself.

Examples:

I was stuck on a traffic jam of paperwork all day.
She felt like she was stuck on a traffic jam of emotions.
The project was stuck on a traffic jam of delays.
His mind was stuck on a traffic jam of thoughts.
The team was stuck on a traffic jam of ideas.

Alternatives:

I was stuck in a traffic jam.
I was stuck behind a traffic jam.
I was stuck in traffic.
I was caught in a traffic jam.
I was trapped in a traffic jam.

I was stuck in a traffic jam.

This phrase is correct and the more common way to express being trapped in a congested flow of vehicles.

This phrase is the standard way to convey the idea of being caught in a traffic jam, where the traffic is the surrounding environment causing the delay.

Show examples from the web [+]

... and unable to move or moving very slowly: Roadworks have caused traffic jams throughout the city centre. I was stuck in a traffic jam for an hour yesterday.
Recently I was stuck in a traffic jam, a passenger in a car inching along up to my destination. I was startled by a loud honking to my right, and when I instinctively ...
One time when I was stuck in a traffic jam, it turned out everyone was rubbernecking to see some fawns grazing on the side of the freeway. TwoDogsFucking 184 ...
Nov 18, 2014 ... "I was stuck in a traffic jam when I had a curious thought -- billions drive cars in the world, yet few have any idea of what lies under the bonnet," ...

Alternatives:

I was stuck on a traffic jam.
I was stuck behind a traffic jam.
I was stuck in traffic.
I was caught in a traffic jam.
I was trapped in a traffic jam.

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I was stuck on a traffic jam. vs I was stuck in a traffic jam.