In the river

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the river" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is located or happening within the confines of a river. Example: "The children were playing in the river, splashing water at each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In the river, shad, in the air.

The New Yorker

In the river an elephant's trunk drooped.

The New Yorker

In "The River of Girls (i.m.

The Guardian - Books

In the river, one can fish, swim, kayak and canoe.

The New York Times

In the river basin lies the extensive Tunguska coalfield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the river fold a poisonous mush was boiling.

Vice

I go swimming in the river anyway.

The New Yorker

There were no salmon in the river.

The New York Times

Kids would splash in the river.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Cahir Castle sits on an island in the River Suir.

Huffington Post

Sign up now to get the best oFrench Canada delivered steenagersonyour inbox.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In the river" to clearly indicate a location or activity that is physically situated within the boundaries of a river. Ensure that the context provides enough information about the river's characteristics, such as its size, flow, or surrounding environment, to enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Don't use "in the river" when "near the river", "on the riverbank", or other more specific phrases would provide a clearer picture of the location. Be precise to avoid misleading the reader about the exact setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In the river" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying location. This phrase indicates that something is situated or occurring within the physical boundaries of a river. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In the river" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate location within a river. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts such as news, science, and formal writing. While alternatives like "within the river" or "along the river" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to provide enough context to avoid ambiguity about which river you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Within the river

Emphasizes containment or being enclosed by the river.

Inside the river

Similar to 'within', highlighting physical presence inside the river.

In the waterway

Broader term including rivers and other navigable channels.

Along the river

Focuses on proximity or movement alongside the river.

By the riverside

Highlights the area adjacent to the river.

On the riverbank

Specific to the edge or bank of the river.

In the stream

Uses a different but related term for a small river.

Within the watercourse

Formal synonym, emphasizing the channel of water flow.

Midstream

Indicates the middle of the river.

Down by the river

More colloquial and descriptive of a location near the river.

FAQs

How can I use "In the river" in a sentence?

You can use "In the river" to describe objects, actions, or creatures located within a river. For example, "The fish swam "in the river"" or "They found the lost keys "in the river"".

What are some alternatives to "In the river"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "Within the river", "Inside the river", "Along the river", or "by the riverside" to express a similar idea.

Is it always clear what "In the river" refers to?

To avoid confusion, make sure it's clear which river you're referring to, especially if multiple rivers are nearby or have been mentioned earlier in the text. Specifying the river name can provide clarity.

How does "In the river" differ from "On the river"?

"In the river" indicates something is submerged or contained within the water, while "On the river" usually suggests something is on the surface of the water or on a vessel traveling on the river. Consider "along the river" or "by the river" when refering to river bank activities.