a dry suit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dry suit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of waterproof suit designed for diving or water sports that keeps the wearer dry. Example: "For our upcoming diving trip, make sure to bring a dry suit to stay warm and dry in the cold water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

She has a dry suit, survival suit, life raft, and ditch bag with emergency supplies.

The Guardian

Once at the party, the sarong comes off to reveal … a dry suit!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

These are fierce marine predators, but you can get into a dry suit and snorkel with them.

The Guardian - Travel

After struggling into a dry suit, I grabbed a handful of waterproof gear bags and headed down to the beach.

The Guardian - Travel

Then Karen asked, "When you swim, will you be wearing a wetsuit or a dry suit?" "I'll be wearing a swimsuit — a TYR Lycra swimsuit," I replied.

The New Yorker

As I pulled on a dry suit, I hoped Deedee would never do anything dumb like that again, and I hoped I'd see Chip at the beach.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But with a dry-suit and a support zodiac, there is no real danger...just a total adrenaline rush.

Huffington Post

However, throw on a dry-suit to protect you from the cold and you'll find one of the most unique diving experiences in the entire world.

Huffington Post

The sinister portrait shows Hirst looking directly at the viewer, dressed in a chemical dry suit and holding a mask, which he wears to make his formaldehyde works.

Independent

One of the first crossings was by an American, Paul Boyton, in a "primitive dry suit" invented by C. S. Merriman: Weighing nearly thirty-five pounds, Merriman's suit was made of vulcanized rubber and, save for the face, covered the body completely.

The New Yorker

She said Pappas is "a rare kind: he owns a complete dry suit" and that he had helped dredge out the basement.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about water activities in cold environments, be specific about the type of suit. Using "a dry suit" clearly indicates the wearer will remain dry, unlike a wetsuit.

Common error

Avoid using "a dry suit" interchangeably with a wetsuit. A wetsuit allows some water to enter, which is then warmed by the body, while a dry suit is designed to keep water out entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dry suit" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a specific type of garment designed to keep the wearer dry, as shown in Ludwig's examples where it's listed alongside other safety equipment. It can act as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dry suit" is a noun phrase referring to a waterproof garment used in aquatic activities, particularly in cold environments. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts and is considered to have a neutral register. When writing about protective gear for water activities, it's important to distinguish "a dry suit" from a wetsuit, as they function differently. While alternatives like "waterproof suit" exist, "a dry suit" specifically denotes a garment designed to keep the wearer completely dry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waterproof suit

This is a more generic term describing the suit's primary function.

immersion suit

This term specifies the suit's ability to protect against submersion.

survival suit

This emphasizes the suit's role in life-threatening situations.

diving suit

A broader category that includes both wet and dry suits.

protective garment for diving

A descriptive phrase highlighting the suit's protective qualities and diving context.

water-resistant suit

While similar, this phrase doesn't guarantee complete dryness like a dry suit.

sealed suit

Focuses on the suit's ability to prevent water entry.

watertight suit

This emphasizes the impermeability of the suit.

exposure suit

Highlights the suit's function of shielding from environmental elements.

hypothermia protection suit

This details the specific protection offered against cold temperatures.

FAQs

What is the purpose of "a dry suit"?

The primary purpose of "a dry suit" is to keep the wearer dry and insulated in cold water environments, making it suitable for activities like diving, kayaking, and sailing in colder climates.

When should I use "a dry suit" instead of a wetsuit?

Use "a dry suit" when you need to stay completely dry and warm in cold water. Wetsuits are suitable for warmer waters where a layer of water between the suit and skin is acceptable for insulation.

What are some alternatives to saying "a dry suit"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "waterproof suit", "immersion suit", or "diving suit". However, these terms may not always convey the same level of dryness and insulation.

What materials are "a dry suit" typically made of?

Dry suits are typically made of waterproof materials like neoprene, rubber, or laminated fabrics such as Gore-Tex. These materials ensure that water cannot penetrate the suit, keeping the wearer dry.