a patch of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a patch of water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small area or section of water, often in a natural setting or when referring to a specific location. Example: "As we hiked through the forest, we stumbled upon a beautiful patch of water surrounded by lush greenery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

You see a patch of water darken as the panicking eels crowd closer to the surface.

The Guardian - Travel

"Frankly, when testing is done, you can do a patch of water, and five feet away, you'll get completely different readings".

The New York Times

Down the path, past a patch of water reserved for dogs that swim, through a short wooded passage, lies another meadow.

The New York Times

In the Pacific, a patch of water proved an unexpected home for thousands of white sharks which swim huge distances to spend half the year there.

The Economist

Another area of interest to conservationists is known as the white shark cafe, a patch of water 2,000km off the Californian coast that is teeming with sharks and is probably a mating ground.

The Guardian

She would always be able to find a patch of water, she told herself, but even when she was studying the rivers and lakes in the road atlas she knew she was procrastinating.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Under Mr. Astin's direction, Ms. Mira disappeared with a dragnet toward a patch of water-grown grasses, while Ms. Mfitidi helped him unroll the 25-foot-long seine net.

The New York Times

Head through the west exit to Route 12. Go to the edge of the water, and run around until a patch of swirling water appears.

WikiHow

Go to the water area in Route 1. Use Surf, and go west to Route 17. Go west through the water currents to reach Route 18. Use a Repel, and move around until a patch of swirling water appears.

WikiHow

He pointed to a patch of still water 15 yards upstream.

The New York Times - Travel

Perhaps it was a patch of dark water he took for better air pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a patch of water" when describing a small, distinct area of water within a larger body, especially when emphasizing its unique characteristics or role within its environment.

Common error

While "a patch of water" is appropriate for general descriptions, avoid it in technical or scientific writing where more precise terms like "sample", "volume", or "area" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a patch of water" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific, usually small, area of water. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in describing natural settings and geographical features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a patch of water" is a common noun phrase used to describe a small, distinct area of water. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, travel writing, and general descriptive scenarios. While it maintains a neutral register, avoiding technical jargon or overly informal language, it effectively paints a visual picture of specific areas where water is present. Alternatives like "a small body of water" or "a discrete area of water" can offer more formal precision when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small body of water

Replaces "patch" with "small body", emphasizing the size and nature of the water.

a section of water

Uses "section" to indicate a defined area, similar to "patch", focusing on a specific part of the water.

a pool of water

Specifies a collection of water, implying a contained or distinct area.

a stretch of water

Indicates an elongated area of water, changing the shape connotation.

a pocket of water

Implies a small, enclosed area of water, altering the visual image.

a zone of water

Replaces "patch" with "zone", suggesting a broader or less defined area.

a film of water

Indicates a very thin layer of water, altering the quantity.

a slick of water

Suggests a smooth, often oily, surface of water, changing the texture.

a trace of water

Conveys a minimal amount of water, significantly reducing the quantity.

a splash of water

Suggests a small quantity of water scattered or impacting a surface, changing the context to an action.

FAQs

How can I use "a patch of water" in a sentence?

You can use "a patch of water" to describe a small area of water, as in: "The ducks were swimming in "a patch of water" near the reeds."

What's a more formal alternative to "a patch of water"?

In formal contexts, consider using "a small body of water" or "a discrete area of water" for a more precise and professional tone.

Is it correct to say "a patch of waters" instead of "a patch of water"?

No, "a patch of waters" is generally incorrect. "Water" is typically used as an uncountable noun in this context. The correct phrase is ""a patch of water"".

What distinguishes "a patch of water" from "a body of water"?

"A patch of water" refers to a smaller, often less defined area, whereas "a body of water" describes a larger, more substantial collection of water such as a lake, river, or ocean.