a mudslide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mudslide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a geological event where a mass of earth and debris moves down a slope, often triggered by heavy rainfall or earthquakes. Example: "After the heavy rains, the hillside was unstable, leading to a mudslide that blocked the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A mudslide of money and movie stars.

The New York Times

A mudslide killed nine people in a slum area.

The New York Times

Soon the car sped past a hillside where a mudslide hit the road in 2010.

The New York Times

"Rather than a landslide, we got a mudslide -- a mudslide that effectively submerges the prospect of any significant change in U.S. fiscal policy".

The New York Times

"It's a way of communicating that you're sophisticated -- 'I don't want a Mudslide.

The New York Times

Seven women died when a mudslide buried a house in Tolima on December 5th.

The Economist

"Erosion erases the past," he said, "the way a mudslide will erase a road".

The New York Times - Arts

A man in Mason County died on Monday night in a building hit by a mudslide.

The New York Times

If it's because of a mudslide, fast forward to the part about Silver Lake.

The New Yorker

Instead, he said, the water liquefies the clay, resulting in "kind of a mudslide".

The New York Times

A mudslide in Brazil has killed at least three hundred and sixty-one people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on "a mudslide", be specific about the location, date, and any casualties involved to provide accurate and informative coverage.

Common error

Avoid using "a mudslide" interchangeably with a general landslide. "A mudslide" specifically refers to a flow of mud and debris, whereas a landslide can involve a broader range of materials like rock and soil. Use the term that accurately reflects the composition of the moving mass.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mudslide" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of geological event characterized by the rapid flow of mud and debris. Ludwig AI showcases numerous examples in news reports and scientific discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mudslide" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to a specific type of landslide involving the flow of mud and debris. According to Ludwig AI, this term is predominantly used in news and media, as well as in scientific and wiki contexts. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to use it accurately to distinguish it from other types of landslides, such as a general "landslide" or a "debris flow". Proper use of this term enhances clarity and precision in both reporting and scientific discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a landslide

Focuses on the broader category of earth movement, encompassing rock and soil.

a debris flow

Highlights the mixture of water and solid matter in the moving mass.

an earthflow

Emphasizes the slow, viscous movement of fine-grained soil.

a soil slip

Describes a shallow failure of soil on a slope.

a slope failure

Indicates the general instability and collapse of a slope.

a mass wasting event

A broad term for any downslope movement of soil and rock.

a channelized debris flow

Specifies that the mudslide is flowing within a defined channel.

a flowslide

Describes a particularly fluid and rapid form of landslide.

a lahar

Implies a volcanic mudflow, involving volcanic ash and debris.

a catastrophic earth movement

Stresses the destructive nature of the earth movement.

FAQs

How is "a mudslide" different from a landslide?

"A mudslide" is a specific type of landslide involving a flow of mud, debris, and water. A "landslide" is a broader term that encompasses any downslope movement of soil, rock, and debris, which may or may not involve significant amounts of water.

What causes "a mudslide"?

Mudslides are typically triggered by heavy rainfall, rapid snowmelt, or other events that saturate the ground with water, making the soil unstable. Deforestation and construction on steep slopes can also increase the risk of "mudslide".

What are some signs that "a mudslide" might occur?

Signs of potential mudslides include new cracks or bulges in the ground, unusual water flows, leaning trees or utility poles, and the sound of rumbling or cracking. If you notice these signs, evacuate immediately and alert the authorities.

What should I do if I am caught in "a mudslide"?

If caught in "a mudslide", try to curl into a ball and protect your head. If possible, move to higher ground or grab onto something sturdy. After the slide, check for injuries and seek medical attention if needed.