a rivulet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rivulet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small stream or brook, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "The gentle sound of a rivulet flowing through the forest added to the serene atmosphere of the hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

A rivulet of blood streamed across the pavement.

The New York Times

The streams merged into a rivulet of sick that snaked along the suburban street.

Independent

I stooped to scoop a mouthful of water from a rivulet.

The Washington Post

A rivulet of candle wax curled a signature in the corner of one of them.

The New York Times - Magazine

The tongue of a rivulet slips under a stone, and my gravel road washes away.

The New York Times

Before I finished chewing, a rivulet of nectar ran down my arm.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Instead, they had led him to a desolate spot with more nettles than grass, a brackish rivulet for a stream and one miserly terebinth tree that gave no shade.

Princeton University

That first spring, even though most of what was said around me remained a mystery, a thin rivulet of meaning trickled into my cerebral catch basin and collected into a little pool of knowledge.

The New Yorker

Based on measured data for drag and lift coefficients and a static rivulet location, an analysis of the model suggests a new stochastic excitation mechanism for the rain wind induced vibrations of stay cables.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

We located one such hot spring, the Atri hot spring 20°09′NN 85°18E), in the Khurda district of Odisha, India, during a survey, [ 6, 7] where the hot spring, which drains to a nearby rivulet, remains at a temperature of 36 38°C.

BioMed Research International

Then it comes, the blood, first in a tiny rivulet, followed by a thick eel, venturing out, slowly.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using "a rivulet". While appropriate in literary or descriptive pieces, it may be too formal or uncommon for everyday conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "a rivulet" in highly technical or scientific writing where a more precise term like "small stream" or "minor channel" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rivulet" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes small flows of water, candle wax, or even metaphorical flows like melancholy. Ludwig AI identifies it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rivulet" is a noun phrase used to describe a small stream or flow of liquid. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While synonyms like "small stream" exist, "a rivulet" adds a touch of poetic description. Usage is most frequent in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia contexts. Ludwig examples show its versatility, from describing literal streams to metaphorical flows of emotion. When writing, consider the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small stream

Replaces "rivulet" with a more common and less poetic term.

a tiny brook

Substitutes "rivulet" with a synonym that emphasizes the small size and gentle nature of the water flow.

a small creek

Uses another synonym for a small stream, often implying a slightly larger size than a brook.

a trickle of water

Focuses on the minimal flow of water, suggesting a very small and gentle movement.

a narrow channel

Highlights the confined path of the water flow, emphasizing its shape rather than its volume.

a minor watercourse

Employs a more formal term for a small stream, suitable for technical or geographical contexts.

a runnel

Replaces "rivulet" with a less common synonym that specifically refers to a small channel for water.

a rill

Uses another less common synonym for a small stream, often implying a shallow and gentle flow.

a capillary stream

Emphasizes the smallness and narrowness of the water flow, drawing an analogy to capillary action.

a thread of water

Highlights the thinness and delicacy of the water flow, suggesting a very small and fragile stream.

FAQs

How can I use "a rivulet" in a sentence?

You can use "a rivulet" to describe a small stream or brook, for example: "A rivulet of water trickled down the rocks".

What are some synonyms for "a rivulet"?

Alternatives to "a rivulet" include "small stream", "tiny brook", or "small creek". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "a rivulet" in formal writing?

Yes, "a rivulet" is appropriate in formal or descriptive writing where a more evocative term is desired. However, in technical contexts, a more precise term may be preferable.

What is the difference between "a rivulet" and "a river"?

"A rivulet" describes a very small stream of water, while "a river" refers to a much larger and more substantial body of flowing water. The scale is the primary difference.