a small stream

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small stream" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a narrow body of flowing water, often found in natural settings. Example: "We followed the path that led us to a small stream, where we stopped to rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A decade ago, a small stream of cars stalled on the highway.

Huffington Post

The yard, filled with shrubbery, even included a small stream.

The New York Times

In Spanish, an arroyo is a small stream.

Stanford University

3 Go through the gate (over a small stream).

The Guardian - Travel

Slopes along a small stream and along stream margins.

Harvard University

So the swings at Memorial are responsible for a small stream of books.

The New York Times

There is a small stream near this village called Kayin-gyoung.

Cornell University

Mi-huak (ford) Thence ascend for some distance np the bed of a small stream.

Cornell University

24 33i 39 52i 7o; Me-nau, a stream (ford) A small stream and the Minium.

Cornell University

Leaving Puttan you come to the bed of a small stream quite dry at this season.

Cornell University

vjji* is a small stream to the east of the road.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location or setting, use "a small stream" to create a sense of tranquility or natural beauty. For instance, "The cabin was nestled beside a small stream, providing a soothing soundtrack to our stay."

Common error

Avoid using "a small stream" metaphorically when "trickle", "minor flow", or "limited quantity" would be more appropriate. Literal descriptions are always more accurate for geographical aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small stream" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a geographical feature, referencing a body of flowing water smaller than a river. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small stream" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a minor body of flowing water. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While synonyms like "tiny creek" or "minor watercourse" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and formality. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with its literal geographical meaning to avoid metaphorical misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tiny stream

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the stream.

a minor stream

Indicates the stream's relative unimportance or lesser size.

a little stream

Uses a more informal term to describe the stream's size.

a narrow stream

Focuses on the stream's width as a defining characteristic.

a small creek

Substitutes "stream" with "creek", which is a synonym with a slightly different connotation.

a small watercourse

Replaces "stream" with the more formal "watercourse".

a small river

Implies a slightly larger body of water, but still relatively small.

a modest stream

Highlights the stream's unassuming or moderate size.

a slight stream

Uses "slight" to describe the stream, suggesting it's barely noticeable.

a weak stream

Focuses on the intensity or strength of the water flow.

FAQs

How can I use "a small stream" in a sentence?

You can use "a small stream" to describe a body of water in a natural setting. For example, "We crossed "a small stream" on our hike through the forest."

What's the difference between "a small stream" and "a small river"?

While both refer to bodies of water, "a small stream" describes a narrow, shallow flow, whereas "a small river" implies a larger and more significant waterway. The distinction lies in size and volume of water.

What are some synonyms for "a small stream"?

Alternatives include "a tiny creek", "a narrow brook", or "a minor watercourse". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "a small stream" to describe a flow of data or information?

While possible in a metaphorical sense, it is more common to use terms like "trickle" or "flow" to describe data. Sticking to literal meaning for geographic aspects will always add clarity. For example, "There is "a small trickle" of data coming in."