Traffic in sth Meaning and Examples: How to Use This Phrasal Verb

What Does “Traffic in sth” Mean?

“Traffic in sth” means to buy and sell something, often illegally or secretly.

Introduction

The phrase “Traffic in sth” is a phrasal verb used mainly to describe the act of trading goods, usually in a secretive or illegal way. When someone traffics in something, they are involved in the business of selling or dealing with that item. This can include anything from drugs to stolen goods or rare animals. Understanding the traffic in sth meaning helps learners recognize its serious and sometimes negative context. It is often used in news reports, legal contexts, and discussions about crime. Knowing how to use this phrasal verb correctly will improve your speaking and writing skills, especially in formal or serious topics.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: Traffic in something
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2–C1
• Short meaning: To buy and sell goods, often illegally

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Traffic in sth” is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot separate “traffic” and “in” with the object.

Correct pattern: traffic in + noun (something)

Example: They traffic in rare antiques.

Incorrect pattern: *Traffic something in (not correct)

How to Use Traffic in sth?

Use “traffic in sth” when talking about trading goods, especially when the trade is illegal or secret. It is often used in formal or serious contexts. The phrase usually refers to something valuable or forbidden. It is followed directly by the object (the item being traded).

Examples of common subjects: criminals, smugglers, dealers, or anyone involved in illegal trade.

Examples

Here are some examples of “traffic in sth in a sentence” to help you understand its use:

• He was arrested for trafficking in stolen paintings.
• The police discovered a ring that trafficked in endangered animals.
• Many countries work together to stop those who traffic in illegal drugs.
• They were caught trafficking in counterfeit money.
• The documentary exposed how people traffic in rare and protected wildlife.

Common Mistakes

People sometimes confuse “traffic in sth” with similar phrases or use it incorrectly.

• Incorrect: They traffic drugs in the city. (wrong word order)
• Correct: They traffic in drugs in the city.
• Incorrect: She traffics something in. (object is separated)
• Correct: She traffics in something.

Remember, “traffic in” is inseparable. Keep the object immediately after “in.”

Differences / Synonyms

“Traffic in sth” is similar to “deal in sth” but with a more negative or illegal meaning.

• Deal in sth: To buy and sell goods, usually legal and neutral.
• Traffic in sth: Often illegal or secret trade.
• Smuggle: To move goods secretly across borders, often illegal.

For example, “deal in antiques” means to legally buy and sell antiques, while “traffic in stolen antiques” means illegal trade.

Common Collocations

Here are common objects used with “traffic in” and their meanings:

• Drugs: Illegal substances sold secretly.
• Weapons: Guns or arms traded illegally.
• Stolen goods: Items taken without permission and sold.
• Endangered animals: Protected species traded illegally.
• Counterfeit money: Fake currency circulated illegally.

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a conversation using “traffic in sth”:

Anna: Did you hear about the police bust last night?

Tom: No, what happened?

Anna: They arrested a group that was trafficking in illegal weapons.

Tom: That’s serious. I hope they stop them for good.

Practice

Complete the sentences with the correct form of “traffic in”:

• They were caught __________ stolen cars across the border.
• Many criminals __________ illegal drugs in the city.
• The authorities try to prevent people from __________ counterfeit money.
• She was accused of __________ endangered species.

FAQ

• What does “traffic in sth” mean? It means to buy and sell something, often illegally or secretly.
• Is “traffic in” separable? No, you cannot separate “traffic” and “in” with the object.
• Can “traffic in sth” be used for legal trade? It is usually used for illegal or secret trading, not legal business.
• What are common things people traffic in? Drugs, weapons, stolen goods, endangered animals, and counterfeit money.
• How is “traffic in sth” different from “deal in sth”? “Deal in sth” is legal trade, while “traffic in sth” often refers to illegal trade.