a meandering brook

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a meandering brook" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brook that flows in a winding or twisting manner, often evoking a sense of tranquility or natural beauty. Example: "As we hiked through the forest, we stumbled upon a meandering brook that sparkled in the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the waterfall, designed by Italian stonemasons, is a bit more grotto than meandering brook.

The New York Times - Travel

The meandering brook ran in a decided black line across his proposed route.

The New York Times - Travel

Thoreau said education often made straight-cut ditches out of meandering brooks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rising Tides was a meandering work.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was just a meandering soap.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

So it's definitely a meandering and quirky place.

The New York Times

It has been a meandering path to this point.

The New York Times - Sports

Her iPod took her on a meandering path.

The New York Times

Subjected to rapid uplift, a meandering stream may cut into bedrock surfaces to produce entrenched or incised meanders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They talked about racial relations in a meandering discussion.

The New York Times

ON a sunny afternoon, canoeists traveled up a meandering river.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a meandering brook" to evoke a sense of natural beauty and tranquility, particularly in descriptive writing about landscapes or nature scenes. The phrase is most effective when you want to emphasize the gentle, winding nature of the watercourse.

Common error

Avoid using "a meandering brook" in technical or scientific writing where precision is paramount. More direct and descriptive terms like "winding stream" or "sinuous channel" are generally preferred in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a meandering brook" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies the noun "brook" with the adjective "meandering", which describes the brook's winding or indirect course. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a meandering brook" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe a winding stream. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct, although its usage is relatively infrequent. It functions as a descriptive noun phrase, aiming to create a vivid image of natural beauty and tranquility. While versatile, it's best suited for descriptive writing where its imagery can be fully appreciated, and should be used cautiously in more technical contexts where precise language is essential. Consider alternative phrases like "winding stream" for broader applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a winding stream

Focuses on the shape and course of the water flow, similar to "meandering" but using a more common term.

a twisting creek

Similar to "winding stream", but emphasizes the sharp turns and bends in the watercourse.

a serpentine stream

Highlights the snake-like curves of the brook, adding a visual element.

a rambling brook

Emphasizes the seemingly aimless or leisurely course of the brook.

a wandering brook

Similar to "rambling", suggesting a lack of direct path.

a gently curving stream

Focuses on the smooth, gradual bends of the watercourse.

a sinuous creek

Like "serpentine", but perhaps less dramatic in its imagery.

a tortuous stream

Implies a more complex and difficult path for the water to follow.

a crooked brook

A simpler, more direct way to describe the non-straight path.

a deviating stream

Highlights the departure from a straight course.

FAQs

What does "a meandering brook" mean?

The phrase "a meandering brook" describes a small stream or creek that flows in a winding, twisting course rather than a straight line. The word "meandering" suggests a gentle, undirected path.

What can I say instead of "a meandering brook"?

You can use alternatives like "a winding stream", "a twisting creek", or "a serpentine stream" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a meandering brook"?

Yes, "a meandering brook" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, its relative infrequency compared to similar phrases may make it sound slightly old-fashioned or overly descriptive.

How does "a meandering brook" differ from "a straight brook"?

"A meandering brook" implies a winding, undirected course, while "a straight brook" suggests a direct, linear flow. The former evokes a sense of naturalness and gentle curves, whereas the latter implies a more engineered or less natural watercourse.